Rudimentary Paragons

“There is still that singular perfection, and it's perfect in part because it seemed, at the time, so clearly to promise more.” ― Michael Cunningham (The Hours)

Rotate - just by a quarter of a half-circle,

Flatten the crises of the tapering corners,

Gently pressing precise forces

Of my sanitized fingers,

Subduing them in the Bristol paper ossification.

(Note to self:

Don’t let your mortal skin breach the neat, leaden margins)

“Now look!

Think!

Judge!”

Head cocked,

Lips pursed,

Inking of a rising disapproval

Swam in the sullen eyes.

“Rotate! Reverse!

Rotate!”

He dabbed the brush in the water-palate.

Sea-green meets Prussian blue.

“Paint her eyes once more!”

Humble, wordless submissions

A muse to his master:

Pardon me,

But I am no Aphrodite’s daughter.

Never mind if you can’t make out

The slender curves beneath the vintage drapes.

My eyes consummate

The smearing pigments, but not as you intended;

They don’t reincarnate the lost city of Memphis.

But justice is done.

Their unearthly gaze

Summarize, suffuse and protrude

 ~~Feminine Contemplation~~

Bold and unabashed,

The cursive letters tilted in accurate bents and angles,

Bid their time

For the gallery cruisers.

“Cut it out!

It’s Impatience’s call.

Sift through! Filter!

Let no rants be in these canvas curtains!

No tradeoffs!

Pride and perfection hand-in-hand,

Always.”

The colored water now dripping

Through disparaged paper molecules,

Wetting the carton cardboard.

Sounds of metal screeches

As the brush-strands siphon the remnants,

Off the circular glass floors of pastel jars.

Tired hands crumple

The skeletons of the drawing sheet,

(The fifty-third and the last one)

Scattering them

In the already littered floor.

Author's Note

Perfection -that one word that is devoured for like no other. Every day, every moment we are strive for it - in varying degrees. But what is perfection? Is it attainable in its wholeness? Or is it an illusion? A black hole that engulfs us in an inescapable self-destructive force?
The poem further explores the thought. It talks about a painter trying to perfect his creation - a painting of a woman caught in an contemplative mood. Does he manage to achieve what he strives for? Find out..

P.S. - I'm sure many of my fellow readers, like me, have a perfection syndrome. I would like your thoughts on this

Reviews

[frivolous treasures]

This was really amazing! I love your take on how each individual's perception of perfection is different. This was quite eloquent and marvelous. This really made me sit back a moment and think: What is pursued more? Perfection or happiness? Is happiness perfection or is perfection, happiness? Does art represent life, or does life represent art?

Marvelous.

[Pratik]

Thanks a million... :) I am so glad you liked it :)

[frivolous treasures]

Your very welcome ^^

[Arielle Ann]

Hi poet and artist in that rare package, this was one of your best I say! a muse derived from the simple art of perfection! Perfection is different for each individual; varying in degree, content and his/her satisfaction! Started my day with your write and I dare say- "You are growing into one marvelous poet"

[Pratik]

Thanks Anisha! I agree with your point of view.. That was exactly the message I wanted the poem to deliver... I am so glad you liked the poem :)

[J. Viands]

Love the concept something most people agree with yet is still somehow controversial you laid done a strong point of few through the eyes of the painter well done

[Pratik]

Thank you so much...

[Pratik]

Dear poet, I loved this first of all, it seems, the circled aspect is in the air in this season, it's obvious, I notice all patterns tonight,

Second, your words, wow... "He dabbed the brush in the water-palate. Sea-green meets Prussian blue. “Paint her eyes once more!” it sound so forced, as if you're a student on forced commands....

Are you a painter too? this aquarell is just that well painted with words, "As the brush-strands siphon the remnants, Off the circular glass floors of pastel jars. "as if you're one... or you have just that x-factor in imagery! loved those lines!

Perfection is just a time related thing, when we look back after years, when we even became more mature, and yet we see whole other perspectives, that's so interesting about it... it's all a moment on tape almost, to rewind, and over see, with never ending learning moments. Loved the insight, of this write! well done Aaran!

E.L.

[Pratik]

That was a brilliant review Emily... Thank you for taking your time to read this and putting your thoughts into this- that's what i always love about you... :) I paint a little.. or shall i say i used to paint.. ( though the above painting isn't done by me)... I appreciate you insight on this.. Thanks a million :)

Oh you're so welcome, I knew it, makes me smile, you're so welcome, I read all with a great and meant pleasure on your page! so I love to take the time for real good writers. xx

[Mia]

Reading this made me a little ashamed. I can only imagine how much effort and thought you put into your work and it shows. This is brilliant, you are not just a poet you are a true artist.

[Pratik]

Oh don't feel ashamed! You are such a brilliant writer.. I still have loads to learn from people like you... i took just an evening to write this - this was sudden and impromptu! I am touched and humbled by your words... You made my day.. Thank you :)

[Mia]

You are kind to say such wonderful things...you are also very welcome :)

[*~*Butterfly Kisses*~*]

Loved this, can't think of any artist, writer, etc that never seems to be completely satisfied with their work as was intended. I admit I suffer from the same disease. Brilliant!

[Pratik]

Thanks Anna.. :)

[Black Cat Fever]

Perfection, you could say, is in the eye of the beholder too. Some people make writing or artwork into a nightmare as they strive for perfection which they never seem to achieve. We want our creations to be perfect in our own eyes when so many think they're doing it for others, those who will view their creation.. The ones who don't know when to let it go are the tormented ones, stuck forever in an anguished place in their own minds or they simply trash their creations they felt weren't perfect when others who never got to see them would have treasured.

Your poem perfectly illustrates a torment ed artist in my mind. Excellent job on your creation!

[Pratik]

Thank you so much.. :) you are right...artists like you and me are fretted by that desire for perfection.. I am glad you liked it :)

[An owl on the moon]

You are a brilliant weaver of words, my friend! How you stun the senses and create pathways of thought with each line... so individually crafted... so placed perfectly in the scheme of thought. Beauty and perfection... in the eyes of the beholder, perhaps.

[Pratik]

Thanks a million Craig.. I am touched... You always have the best to say for me and I always selfishly look forward to your reviews.. :)

[Dayran]

That which we bring into manifestation as a painting points back at us as the artist and creator. This is a portrait of the artist as a thinking, planning and willful individual who doesn't arrive at his finished product by accident but by love and caring concern.

[Pratik]

Thank you sir.. :)

[gombeggar]

a fantastic expression...i dig the imagery and the motions...and yes, i suffer from perfection in all my endeavors too

[Pratik]

Thank you :) Glad you liked it :)