THE BARREN CANVAS

A Painter's dilemma

THE BARREN CANVAS

In summer I paint with green  

Red, pink, yellow orange hues

Trees transform from leafless sorrow

To illuminate the new season of life

Abstractions emerge

My brush strokes

mimic the tree’s sway

 

When winter arrives

Change transforms

To frigid stillness

My hands petrify

My canvas relents

To the season of leafless sorrow

Emptiness shrouds all

Author's Note

During COVID, in winter, I could not paint.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Betty. The artist who love the green, cannot write in the whiteness of Winter. I do understand. I write better in bars or taverns. I need noise and voices. Quiet house leave my mind sleeping. Hello dear friend. I hope you are enjoying the days of Summer. Thank you for sharing your amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much John, really appreciate your review! Out here in Pacifuc NW. on an island in Pugent sound😊

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Betty.

[Patricia Wedel]

It is true… this past Winter left us in a dither of uncertainty… and now we see a different attitude with the weather and politicians…
a bit late; but nonetheless we must look after the children of the Immigrants… they are very innocent. tenderly, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

What a perfect metaphor...I found it a bit different for me...during the pandemic, I think I wrote more.
Claustrophobic pen got restless.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear J….I.m painting like crazy….one a portrait of a gangster possibly for my possible book…
Best, B.

[Samuel Dickens]

Those blank canvases sure can be intimidating. For me, at least, the first brush stroke is the scariest. All who paint must deal with adversities of one kind or another, I think. Emma may be right about the cold winter coloring your mood. Don't put it off too long--those caps tend to freeze up when they've not been off in a while. Very good writing, Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much, always appreciated……😊

[emmajoy]

Perhaps it's the way light colours the mood? We either rise or sink according to personality or character.. We accept or make believe; nobody right, nobody wrong. Your canvas seems more than ready to bow to your core feelings, Betty.. the thought behind this poem is deep and genuine.. and, consequently very moving.. for me.

Many thanks as always, for sharing, Take care, keep safe. Please. :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Ah Emma, you are so thoughtful and think deeply, you analyze so well ;
Thank you a million for this.. not just this poem but all of them.
You are so appreciated!
Best
B.

[Meenakshi Dutta]

I understand the summers are cheerful, full of life.
But, let's just embrace the dullness of winters, because, every shade and every season has something beautiful to offer.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your review
many people are depressed in winter, shorter days, less outside activities, long dark nights…..it's a personal preference….

[Meenakshi Dutta]

Yes, B. That's right.
Love and light always 🌼

[Dave Brown]

That is interesting
I also paint, and in the summer, when there is so much to see and do, I am not too inspired, but as soon as the tees drop their leaves and cold weather makes a return, its back to the canvas I go

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Dave, but I see much emptiness in the winter, that’s cause I love color! What inspires you in winter?
Best, B

[Dave Brown]

boredom-too cold and wet to do anything outside

[Chris Shaw]

During covid dear Betty, I think many people couldn't do the things that they would normally tackle with ease. I am pleased you have no problems with a summer canvas, plenty of colour at the stroke of a brush. I hope you will be able to paint your winter scenes too, by the time that season arrives. Wonderful. Imagery here.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much Chris , a lovely review; summer inspires me to paint, winter I seem to write more…it curious ….everyone has their special time
Truly, B