“Mona Lisa,” by Leonardo DaVinci
i. Lisa, history/meaning
I wear a mysterious smirk
But why?
Which side of mirror am I?
Do you
Seek to know? ammunition or jokes?
Care past
Technicality of surface gleam
Seeing
Into depths of my inky pool
To feeling?
Usage: English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Italian
Meaning and History: Short form of Elizabeth (though often used independently) and its cognates in other languages. This is the name of the subject of one of the world’s most famous paintings, the Mona Lisa, the portrait of Lisa del Giocondo by Leonardo da Vinci. In the United States this form was more popular than the full form Elizabeth from 1958 to 1978, and was in fact the top ranked American name between 1962 and 1969.
“Peonies and Butterflies,”
by Ito Jakuchu
ii. Li, one I wish I had
Another time, another place
We live,
Another hermit and I, mountain high,
Speechless,
Listening to soughs through leaves
Sipping
Dreamy fluttering butterflies
Honey
Wander, wing to wing, warm
Sweet tea
Laura is today’s host of dVerse’ Meeting the Bar/Form. Laura would like us to write a Waltmarie form poem using one of the following options:
• the history/meaning of your name
• or one you wish you had
• or an imaginary one
poem i: looking from a perspective of DaVinci’s Mona Lisa
poem ii: combo of 2&3, a daoist perspective with a life with the one who gave me the nickname, Li
Tao Talk 
“Li,” the first syllable of lyrical, as your second poem proves so beautifully. Love it, Li. And the enigmatic nature of “Lisa” is perfectly captured by the first poem: clever and pointed.
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Dora, thanks so much for your feedback.
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Love both forms and the questioning line in that smile of “Which side of mirror am I?” though I have the feeling that you are truly Li
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Thanks so much, Laura. I have the same feeling <3
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The tiny inner poem knocked me flat! HOW did you do that, really beautifully done, in a form that does not presuppose beauty…….in the second one….hermit…yes…quietness….I really relate…
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Ain, many thanks.
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Your poem fits perfectly to the painting, leaving one still wondering. Love it, Lisa!
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So delighted to read your comment, Carol <3
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Both poems properly enigmatic. I did not know Lisa was a form of Elizabeth. And kudos to the one who first called you Li–lovely to both say and see written down. Was Jade originally paired with Li? (K)
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Thanks, K. I added the Jade at some point when I got interested in Jade. Its character resonates with me.
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And the two words work together so well.
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:)
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Beautifully done Li.
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Sadje, thanks :)
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You’re most welcome
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really intriguing poem with the two sections like that. Good work Li
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Thanks much for your comment.
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A moving response to the prompt, Li. Nicely done.
PS: “sough” – that’s a fantastic word I did not know. I can hear the sound looking at the word!
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Thanks much, Steve. It’s probably one of those words I learned in school. One of my teachers had a new word a day on the blackboard when we walked in. Or it was a little workbook, can’t remember the name of it, that taught me a bunch of words.
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What a great way to expand students’ vocabularies.
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I like how you did these, Li. Very cleverly done–among my favorites I’ve read of your work!
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Jennifer, thank you so much. The 2nd one came from the heart.
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Great poems, Lisa. Now Roberta is a name I hate …
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Thanks, Robbie. Are you going to write about it for this prompt? I like the name. I used to work with a lady named Roberta. I also like Robbie.
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Well done for writing two WaltMaries in your exploration of your name, Lisa. My youngest sister (the not very nice one) is also Lisa, but her mysterious smirk is an evil one. But I’ve known plenty of lovely Lisas (you’re an excellent example)! I really enjoyed the second poem, and the idea of living as a hermit high up on a mountain.
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Kim, your sharing is much appreciated. So sorry about your youngest sister. The youngest always carry an extra burden, often of parental indulgence ;) I came from a family of 7 with 2 girls, me, the oldest, and Molly, the youngest.
The Dao flavor on the 2nd is the ancient expection for Chinese officials was to retire to the mountains after their service. The butterflies are in reference to Zhuang Zi’s butterfly dream. It is a pleasant idea isn’t it. {{HUGS}} to you for always being so kind, Kim.
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My pleasure!
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Two wonderful poems Li, Inner poems as well. How are you doing preparing for A to Z – I only have 3 posts written – I predict lots of pantsing…
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Andrew, thank you! I haven’t even come up with an idea for A to Z yet. Will you please give me a link to the main page for this year?
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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/
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Thank you!
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I have always called you Li, since I have known you. ❤️ Love both the poems that capture the enigma and the free spirit. 🙂
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Punam, I know you have and it has been appreciated <3 Thanks much for your kind words.
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You are most welcome, Li. ❤️
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I love both Lisa but with the second one I feel the yearning for that special place where you are truly happy and you are Li. It’s beautiful 🥰
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Christine you’re spot on <3
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Very nicely done, Lisa. What a great name to be named after! I can see you living in a mountain in Japan, sipping tea, Li. :>)
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Dwight, I can also. A mountain somewhere for sure :)
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Great poem, Lisa! I loved how you connected with the Mona Lisa in your first poem.
Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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Yvette, thanks. I’ve given that Mona Lisa smile myself a time or two…
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Fabulous WaltMaries and your even lines work brilliantly, so delighted to look into that inky pool of being.
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ha ha, Paul, thanks!
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One syllable can mean so much !
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The Chinese are good for having meaningful and multi-purpose syllables.
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shi ! (I wish I had the correct back inflected ‘i’ on my keyboard for that. ) :-)
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OK, now you have to explain it!
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There it is….. 是 — shì . Wonderful word in Mandarin which, according to context, can mean soooooo many things. :-D
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Thanks, Chris!
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:-) 德 :-)
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