
Claude Monet. The Studio Boat (Le Bateau-atelier), 1876, Oil on canvas.
The Barnes Foundation, BF730.
Twixt
Suspended twixt earth and sky
pixelated atoms, distinct, yet part
of, a point in, on, a cosmic map;
indistinguishable threads of iris
seeing and being seen, omni-
present synesthetic music,
heard, breathed, smelt, felt,
vibrations as conduits,
direct interfaces
with creative divine.
We grok an old man,
boat, floating river’s current --
muse-mirrored brushstrokes.

I love the cosmic/timeless feel of this, Li. That he is there, has always been there, and we are seeing him there. . .particles from space, particles in time.
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Thanks, Merril. Yes.
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You’re welcome, Li!
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Well done, it’s like the art itself, when you’re close up you can’t see the image immediately. One has to move further ways to see beyond the “muse-mirrored brushstrokes”.
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Thanks so much.
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The way he has been captured in the painting he exists forever there.
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Yes, Bjorn. And he really is, in that moment.
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Yes, the boat and the artist are ‘suspended twixt earth and sky’, Lisa, as is the image and its ‘pixelated atoms’. I love the phrase ‘muse-mirrored brushstrokes’.
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<3
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This is absolutely stellar writing, Lisa! I love the timelessness of this poem and the way you capture him in your words. ❤️❤️
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Sanaa, thank you very much <3
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That last line is especially perfect for Monet. (K)
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Thanks, K <3
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And good musical selection.
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Not just anyone can do a cover of this song and make sound good, thanks, K.
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So true.
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YUM! Love the flow!
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Thanks, Ron.
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pixelated atoms, distinct, yet part
of, a point in, on, a cosmic map;
I love your philosophical approach to the poem, Lisa. Well done.
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Dwight, sometimes it is difficult to put into words the manifestation of … not even sure what … perhaps the ineffable. Thanks so much. I just saw your painting a minute ago. WOW!
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“pixelated atoms, distinct, yet part / of, a point in, on, a cosmic map”… I love how the interpretive lens that we are all saddled with comes up in your poem. It is so wonderful. I also like the idea of it being part of a cosmic map where not only is the painting now flying through space as cell phone signals take this image past the moon and into the asteroid belt, but it also does the same with our comments, part of the constant radiation of communication that comes from our planet. Oh so nice.
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You just reminded me of the movie Time Bandits. Remember the map they stole?
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You are right. Sometimes we get way beyond ourselves! Thanks. Glad you liked it.
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You’re welcome.
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What a superb poem – beautiful imagery and reflections – really bought the painting to life – Jae
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Jae, thank you. It kind of reminds me of a figure emerging out of a fog.
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Beautifully written Li.
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Thank you, Sadje. This is one I’d like to expand.
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You’re welcome! Yes, you should 🌹❤️♥️
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<3
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👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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Lovely, describes the image very well!
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Dana, thanks very much.
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This is very pretty, Lisa
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Robbie, thanks :)
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My pleasure
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always enlightening to read your words. Thank you.
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Selma, your kindness is appreciated <3
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Lisa, this delivers sensory richness, philosophical depth, and a final image that grounds it beautifully🙌
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Ange, thank you for sharing what you see <3
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🩷
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“muse-mirrored brushstrokes.”
Wonderful, Lisa! I felt like I was on a journey.
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Sara many thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
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Such a peaceful painting. 😊
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It puts me in the zone also.
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Hmmm ‘grok’… I think I’ve heard it before, maybe from you. Somehow to me it doesn’t quite fit the defintion. Grok seems harsh fo understanding something.
Origin of the term:
Here is an alternative; What does groke mean urban dictionary?
In the urban dictionary, I read. Groak : Verb. To stare silently at someone while they are eating, in the hopes that they will give you some of their food. –
That seems a better fit. To just stare at someone as they pass by…
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Jules, grok for Michael Valentine Smith, the Martian here on Earth and learning the ways of humans, means to understand at an organic level; in a manner that resonates for an extraterrestrial spirit. I do think it is kind of humorous to use the UD def. Maybe someone on the shore stands there, hoping the old man catches a fish? ;)
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There’s contemplative timelessness in your words. Beautifully expressed, Li. ❤️
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Thanks so much, Punam <3
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My absolute pleasure, Li. ❤️
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