E - Ekphrasis (The Train Ride)
E - Ekphrasis
Ekphrasis is Greek for "description." An ekphrastic poem is a description of a scene, most often from a work of art. The image used may be part of the poem, or inspire the poet to go another direction. My ekphrastic poem is what I see, a couple on a train, in this print by David Wirkkala. For all I know, it may not be a train at all!
The Train Ride
They sit side by side
yet miles apart.
Leaning forward he
distances himself.
staring ahead,
elbows on knees,
jaw tightly clenched.
She, turned towards
the window,
staring out at nothing,
feigning interest in the passing scenery,
clasping her clutch tightly in her lap.
As intently as they ignore each other,
I watch them.
Is this their first conflict
or their last?
©2024 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved
That’s a fantastic word, Ms Lisa. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to use it, though. I like your poem, too.
ReplyDeleteLocksley
Maybe throw it into a conversation here and there! Perhaps try your hand, er, foot, at writing a ekphrastic poem.
DeleteBy the way, the link from your name is georgesgpworld.com, which isn't right and goes nowhere!
DeleteOh I really liked this!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad! :)
DeleteInteresting verses for that interesting image
ReplyDeleteGreat poetic interpretation of the picture - makes you see more in the picture as well as enjoying the poem...
ReplyDeleteI see the people on a train as well. Great poem, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI like this one a lot.
ReplyDeletehttps://nydamprintsblackandwhite.blogspot.com/2024/04/magical-botany-f.html