blind
blind to herself
delectable vision to others
eyes sting her flesh
her tender skin
blotched with their leers
she yearns to vanish
her graceful demure
discounted by the lechers
discarded to strip
toss her like dice
in dirty games, to gamble
her despised treasure
away she stumbles
drawn by call of falling water
where moss caress
soft green wonder
fragrant cherry blossoms unfurl
in dappled sun
top image by Catrin Welz-Stein
Lillian is today’s host of dVerse’ Poetics. Lillian would like us to choose one of the four given images by artist, Catrin Welz-Stein, and write an ekphrastic poem based upon it.
Tao Talk 
Ah….we’ve chosen the same image and your words here
“her tender skin
blotched with their leers
she yearns to vanish”
could be a part of my poem as well. Love what you’ve done here. It really is a captivating image!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The itch of all those eyes sounds so sad, I hope the moss can clean some of that away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it will, Bjorn.
LikeLike
This is such a strong ekphrastic, Lisa! I love that you portray her as blind .. which makes total sense.. seeing that all eyes are on her. *Applauds* ❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Sanaa <3
LikeLike
Outstanding eye-opener ekphrastics! Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ron, very happy you enjoyed the poem.
LikeLike
Lisa, what an interesting nterpretation of this image. I especially like the effective juxtaposition in the lines:
‘blind to herself
delectable vision to others
eyes sting her flesh’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kim :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Lisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your take on this picture, Lisa. Such a great idea. Yes, so many cower from the leers and stares judging how they look. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dwight, glad you like how I spun the image. I have always hated being leered at and there are reasons for it. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, Lisa. It happens to a lot of people it seems. Can be devasting at times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very very sad. The story of many women’s lives. Great interpretation of the image.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately true on both counts. Thanks so much, OP.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so interesting how we see different things in the same picture!
LikeLiked by 1 person
C4Y2, that’s why ekphrastic prompts are so fun :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating interpretation of the art! I am reminded of the age of ‘Carny workers’ … of how they had to endure those leers and jeers … endlessly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Helen, would definitely apply to “freaks” at carnivals and the circus :( I remember seeing a movie about Barnum & Bailey, with Hugh Jackman in the lead. It was a great movie because he did everything he could to destigmatize those who were different. Thanks for reading and your comment.
LikeLike
Nature neither covets nor judges. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
<3
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved The Greatest Showman ..
LikeLiked by 1 person
:) Ah yes, that’s the name!
LikeLike
This is such a brilliant take on this image Li. Bravo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadje, thank you <3
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great poem. I especially like the last two stanzas.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maria, thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed them.
LikeLike
Love the character sketch which elicited pity from me. Ihope she finally finds her solace in the soft green wonder. This part moved me: toss her like dice
in dirty games, to gamble
her despised treasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
Grace, being an empathic person, I can see where that part would move you. How many women does this character represent? And how many have done their best to destroy the despised treasure, which I see as self-respect.
LikeLike
Great haiku sequence. Bravo.
Much♡love
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gillena, thanks :)
LikeLike
The picture creeped me out at first… it’s a lovely picture though…your poem fits it well…not the creepy part lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy to hear it evoked an emotional response in you, Max. It is a bit creepy. There is a guy in the Cronenberg movie, “Crimes of the Century” that is covered in ears, and that’s creepy as hell too.
LikeLike
What a graphic! You really did it justice with your poem, Lisa. Excellent take written beautifully and with feeling. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nancy, thanks so much. Glad you connected with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Lisa, this is a really interesting poem. What a great picture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robbie, thank you. Catrin creates unusual and beautiful images for sure.
LikeLike
Indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a striking image to partner the poem
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glyn, we were given 4 images to choose from to write a poem about, and this is one I chose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so beautiful. I love the work that is being written to this image.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Shawna.
LikeLike
A very powerful take on the image, exposing the evils of objectification and the harm it does to the subject. Nicely done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Steve, thanks so much, and glad you picked up on the message.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Nine of Swords” an appropriate title for the painting, piercing gazes all (though to me they seem equally from within as without, and all female). The border of self is so thin and bears such scars …
LikeLiked by 1 person
piercing gazes for sure
LikeLike
Wonderful painting. I just imagined a different version where the lady is smiling creepily. 😳😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
A creepy smile would add another dimension to it, for sure :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
great imagery. well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, tenzenmen.
LikeLike
Art that makes you linger longer! Love it!
LikeLike
Glad you do :)
LikeLike
How’s it going on your end?
LikeLike