April sunshine has given me the courage to take on the challenge of writing Ekphrastic poems. I have never attempted to translate the emotion from paintings, drawings, sculptures, or other visual works of art into words. The challenge will require me to dig deep to tap into the passions such works of art create inside a person. Most of what I write will be speculative. There will be times when I will place myself into the mind of the artist. Still other times, I will express the emotions I experience gazing at the work of art. If I get creative, I might even tell the story from an element within the artwork. This Ekphrastic poem is based on a painting by Renoir entitled Bal Du La Moulin De La Galette.
Bal Du La Moulin De La Galette
Sunday afternoon in the bright sunshine
They gathered in the Moulin De La Galette to dance.
Rest from their labors and drink a little wine,
Because life is worth nothing without a little romance.
Working class dressed up and looking fine,
Estelle in the blue and pink striped dress deserves a glance.
Her sister Jeanne Samary an actress divine,
Cast her lot with the painters because pleasure is worth a chance.
They all danced out in the open air,
Without giving a thought to drain the day.
A time when science caused us to care,
About germs and pushing people away.
In this day of social distancing, we are afraid to share,
Our fearful minds conjure up a doomsday,
In which everyone is contaminated germ-infested snare.
We stay at home and refuse to dance the day away.
Who is Molly Shea?
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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I’ve always loved this painting! There seem to be so many stories contained within it. Your verses, set within the context of the present pandemic, do it justice.
Thank you or taking the time to read my blog. Have a blessed day.
Love it, like the poetry comparing the past and the now. The world will never be the same after covid no matter how much people pretend it’s back to normal. Some parts of the world are just having their deadliest surge & the feeling of being in that world I can so relate few months ago.
Thank you. I apprciate you readin =g my poem.