Self-portrait with family by P.Konchalovsky 1917
1917 ~ amidst the backdrop of historical upheaval, societal shifts and war, a family of four stands poised, ready for a self-portrait, their moment frozen in time. The mother, adorned in blue velvet exudes a quiet strength. The father wears a stern expression softened by paternal pride. He is a 'man of the cloth' ~ exempt from the horrors of war ~ a stoic figure brimming with wisdom garnered from a life shaped by ministering to his congregation. The daughter, a bow at the end of her long braid, embodies both innocence and curiosity, her youthful spirit yearns to explore the world beyond the confines of tradition. The son, a smaller version of his father, carries an air of responsibility that belies his tender age, already learning the ways of the world from this patriarch. Together they symbolize the unity that sustains them ~ create a touching testament to the enduring bond of a family ~ ready to face the winds of change.
lo, the winds of war
men know not what they have wrought
life in the trenches
We are enticed with art in the dVerse Poets Pub ... three lovely paintings. Poems describing a work of art are called ekphrastic poetry.
Beautifully done. I love the skillful weaving of visual details from the image with character building, even giving us a sense of their aspirations and emotions during these times.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done, Helen. I like how you've described this family, and how they don't know what's coming.
ReplyDeleteLove the unity of the family and how you described each member, frozen in time. With that bond, they can withstand the winds of change.
ReplyDeleteVery well done, Helen. I love your follow up poem... life in trenches... or buried there!
ReplyDeletebeautiful prose, Helen, and a wise assessment on the state of the family members.
ReplyDeleteI’m pleased to see that you’ve chosen this image too, Helen, and your haibun has explored it so thoroughly. You’ve even included the date and ‘the backdrop of historical upheaval, societal shifts and war’, as well as portrait descriptions of the members of the family. I love the description of the son!
ReplyDelete"Gathered for this self-portrait, they symbolize the unity that sustains them," .. sigh .. yes! This is such a gorgeous haibun, Helen! You rocked the prompt ❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderfully written haibun, Helen! I like how you told the backstory and introduced each family member as they come together for a portrait...perhaps their last?
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure what to do with this painting but you've nailed it with your description of each family member. Funny how people weren't forced to smile for the camera back then. I know them better now.
ReplyDeleteA truly great Haibun and a great interpretation of the family Helen...
ReplyDeleteWonderfully written.
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