Ekphrastic on Manet by Morisot repost

Berthe Morisot
En Angleterre (Eugène Manet à l’île de Wight), 1875
Paris, musée Marmottan-Claude Monet
Fondation Denis et Annie Rouart, legs Annie Rouart, 1993
© Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris / The Bridgeman Art Library / Service presse / DR

As you freshen up,
I wait, gaze upon
two proper ladies;
ruffled white blossoms,
flushed with salty air,
stare, hungry robins.
Gull’s cry breaks the spell;
guilt flops and lodges.

Where for tea?” you ask.
Startled, I turn to meet
your sparkling blue eyes.
Snuggle first, perhaps?
I wink, grasp your hand.
Love, afternoon’s task,
writhes us like otters;
honeymoon’s postures.

Octameter form

Reading a little about the painting, the artist married artist Manet’s brother and this painting was taken when she and her husband were on their honeymoon. I wrote this from Eugene’s perspective.

16 Comments Add yours

  1. willowdot21's avatar willowdot21 says:

    I remember this prompt…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Tanka Tuesday has always had good prompts <3

      Like

  2. An interesting new take on this painting prompt.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks much, Robbie :)

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Ron.'s avatar Ron. says:

    Lovely snapshot of engaging painting; cool form, too. Thanks

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the feedback, Ron.

      Like

  4. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

    Lovely poem Li

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thank you, Sadje!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

        You’re very welcome 😍

        Liked by 1 person

  5. pvcann's avatar pvcann says:

    Deliciously suggestive Li ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Paul, I’m glad you caught my drift. Thank you <3

      Like

  6. rothpoetry's avatar rothpoetry says:

    This one made me smile, Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      :) I’m glad. It’s kind of cozy isn’t it.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Max's avatar Max says:

    I love how that era looked in paintings…nice poem Lisa!

    Liked by 1 person

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