The Art of Poetry: An Ekphrastic Evening

Hi All,

Excited to share a poem that was part of The Art of Poetry: An Ekphrastic Evening put on by the Pittsburgh Society of Artist. More on the event in this PDF, including other poems and artwork.

Take good care!
Judy

Why A Stick

based on Woman With Stick by Mary Ellen Raneri

I stand before you in full glory of myself.

See my proportioned torso, my sturdy limbs,

The sleekness of my skin.

My body grew full, well- nourished, beautifully shaped.

I would say perfect.

I flowered in tender, sheltered light.

I was loved. I was protected.

But it was as though I slept:  much was kept from me.

Later,  grown, I  stepped out of my blessed sanctuary,

Awakened into a landscape split by want and rage and loathing,

Suffering of innocents without mercy or  explanation.

Shocked,  cowering, I wished to be other than myself:

A rock, a hill, a river, an island in the sea.

But I thought this could not be. 

My flesh rebelled, turned red with fury,

I dwelt in fear for many seasons .

Only under a  sturdy elm I found a measure of peace. 

The leaves of  this majestic  tree rustled with a message:

You are not  the only creature I have offered succor.

Here is my limb, I give it to you. Take it! Lean on it!

It  is stout, it is strong, it is part of me, and I am  part of everything.

Accept  the tragic  beautiful world as it is.  Take it and walk free.