“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”
–Vincent Van Gogh
Bone structure doesn't lie. He was handsome, a bon vivant
'man about town' who knew things about life ~ about
women, whiskey, tobacco. That strong jawline, cig
dangling from his lips suggest more than a few times
'round the old block. I am intrigued. Dare I say
libidinous? Fantasies of James Dean, Marlon Brando,
Leonard Cohen begin to surface. The antidote to fantasy
must be reality ~ I walk away.
Melissa is our host today in the dVerse Poets Pub ~ we are to focus our poetry on the often haunted souls of artists and poets.
Good job Helen! This is one of my favorite Van Goghs but could never say why. Now you've said it for me. Perfect depiction of a "man about town".
ReplyDeleteYou paint a wonderful portrait of a man whom many probably walked away from, through your eyes, the eyes of an onlooker, perhaps.
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
ReplyDeleteVincent Van Gogh had the gift of capturing LIFE in its many aspects.
Hugs,
Mariette
Saying "No" to the bad boy?! Perfect ekphrastic, Helen.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely splendid, my dear Helen! You make me see him through your poetic eyes. I especially love; "That strong jawline, cig dangling from his lips suggest more than a few times 'round the block." Yes! ❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteIndeed... fantasy often masks the reality.
ReplyDeleteMothers, don't let your daughters grow up to date this ghost. Van Gogh loved absinthe in whorehouses between canvases.
ReplyDeleteStrong jawline revealed!
ReplyDeleteThe reality comes back, full force Helen. Take care!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely someone you should stay away from lol. Reality's always dangerous. Great poem.
ReplyDeleteI love your take on this, Helen. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteOh that is powerful, Helen. Getting lost in fantasy is an illness, and walking away is an antidote but how does one connect back with the real.
ReplyDelete