The Expected One 1860,
painting by Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller
(Museum: Bavarian State Painting Collections)
Lost in each incarnation,
She rouses to rose perfume;
Another regret of love passed.
Forever he waits on bended knee
For her to see him again; alas she’s
Lost in each incarnation.
From hills to fields to woodland path
Generations have followed to and fro,
She rouses to rose perfume.
She pauses, looks through him yet again,
But remembers his lips so long ago;
Another regret of love passed.
Cascade form
Colleen wanted us to speak to what looks like a modern device in the hands of the lass despite this painting being created in 1860. Not sure if it is clear in the poem, but I am imagining an eternal love, where the two fell in love back in 1860, parted ways because she left him (not sure the reason,) but he still loves her. He’s now a ghost, and she continues being reincarnated. Just like all of the incarnations before this one, she walks the path where they walked, in love. He waits there for her, on one knee, hoping she will notice him again. It’s modern times and yes, that is a cell phone in her hand. How’s that for a spin on the image?
Colleen Chesebro is the host of Tanka Tuesday. Colleen says:
🌼 This week, using the painting as your inspiration, please write either a syllabic poetry form or a freestyle poem, including a syllabic form (both on the same post). 🌼
Tao Talk 
Thanks for sharing this idea.in the 1860s. This painting is so amazing. Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anita 🙂
LikeLike
Cell phone, that’s a clever idea.😀 I feel sorry for the guy. All his waiting and hoping is for nothing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel sorry for him also, it’s a deeply depressing situation for him — and not much for her 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
A sad fate for both. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent take Li. Love this recurring theme of love ignored and missed but never forgotten
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Sadje. I’m glad those themes came across.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always a pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely love this idea, I too used the idea of time traveling , I like the way you have her treading the same path through time and her livery waiting, star crossed lovers separated by incarnation 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Willow thank you so much 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have really captured the feeling of the painting.💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Willow, thanks so much. Their story needed to be told ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed it did 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was brilliant, Lisa! I can almost see this as a haibun if you turn your explanation into prose. I love it!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Yvette!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lisa!!! I got goosebumps reading your cascade poem. I love the idea of the man/woman appearing in different incarnations! This was so brilliant and creative! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Colleen, I’m pleased that you’re pleased. Thank you ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh your poem was so full of possibilities. You could write a story using the poem for inspiration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good take 😊- I think there has been a lot of discussion about this painting by the art scene – suggesting its a mobile phone and she’s a time traveller 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
AJ we see it all the time in TV and movies, why not in old paintings? Thanks, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your poem is wonderful, no words to describe my feelings right now. I’ve tears in my eyes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy you connected with the poem, Elizabeth ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
A delightful and unique spin!
I do hope that at one point she stops being reincarnated and becomes reunited with ‘him’. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jules, I do also! They were meant for each other.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love where you took this, out of the present, tangible scene into something vaster. What a beautiful and poignant poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
D, thank you for your wonderful feedback. Makes my day ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cascade form works so well here. I like the repetition. A sad fate for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks much, Merril.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, Lisa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sad, yet beautiful – I’d like to write a cascade, now 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elizabeth, the forms with repeating lines are some of my favorites. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d say that’s an amazing spin on the image, Lisa ~ you are a storyteller extraordinaire!
Much love,
David
LikeLiked by 1 person
David, so glad you’re pleased by the story, thank you ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person