Two of my favorite poets are Elizabeth Bishop and William Carlos Williams for their distinct images in their poetry. They let the reader interpret the images. I have been amazed at the beauty I saw in a red wheelbarrow.
Here is my tribute, which was first written in 2000.
Gypsy
A patchwork skirt
ripples around
bare ankles,
crimson slashes
her waist.
Kohl-lined eyes,
reddened lips,
hoops dangle
from her ears.
A shoulder slips
her saffron blouse
as whirling, her
skirt fans out—
a revel of
calves, knees, thighs.
She winks at
her retinue,
then glides away.
Ensnared,
boys, men, grey-tops
follow her—
try to touch
the golden bangles
on her wrist.
*Published in Inside Out.
19 comments:
I had to look up "kohl" to find out what it was. Learned something today. Thanks
Hi gunner.. glad I could help you with your education :-)
i can see how it was published. very nice.
I know her.... very well captured.
Chana and Crafty green poet...
Thanks :-)
My wife to a T! She wears kohl, too. Great poem. Thanks.
Matt.. I swear...I have never met your wife.. LOL
I can see her dancing -- the temptress. Wonderful imagery.
Thank you pam :-)
Very nice. Enjoyed.
-Jarod
http://jarodanderson.blogspot.com/
(beta won't let me log in...)
Yep, yep. Like that a lot - great details - I can see her in my mind's eye.
beautiful,great imagery!
jarod.. thank you.. thanks for coming by
Chiefb... the idea for this poem started out as my favorite costume and then went from there. :-)
Lisrobbe.. thank you
Lovely, Cyn. The poem, too.
Your poem shot me straight back to Cher and her "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves" song from the 70's. Then the poem took me to Fleetwood Mac and "Rhiannon" and "Gypsy."
Then your poem took me back to itself.
I'm more in love with your writing with every word.
Thank you Don... :-)
I love all those songs too. Haven't heard them in a long time though. Glad I could give you a good nostalgia burst. LOL
This makes me think of Spain. What a gorgeous poem.
Thank you mapiprincesa. :-)
I love that shoulder line:
A shoulder slips
her saffron blouse
as whirling
Beautiful image.
Michelle... thank you.. It was edited several times to get the effect. I think this incarnation of the gypsy is the one. :-)
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