Sound and Light

Written during a visit to Spain,

 

 

Segovia

 

Iridescence applies

Shimmering light,

Brushing reality

Onto the canvas of memory,

Locking mind,

   Striking eye,

      Translated by

          Ochre,

               Turquoise,

                   Crimson Lake.

 

Fine fabrics,

   Stucco, flowers,

     Vegetables, fruits,

Arrayed abundance,

   Discordant

      Beneath Goya's azure sky

         Under which,

            Chords gently float.

A palette of sound,

Melding colour with tone.

 

Coloured tone,

   Timeworn stone

       Radiating heat of noon.

But soon,

 Shaded from the carmine glow of sun,

 Coloured with the violet sound of night

The stones reflect

 Sound and light

   From the fingers of Segovia,

    On the strings of Spain.

                                                                        John L. Berry

A tribute to a fine artist, a unique musician and a beautiful country.

Author's Note

Say what you really think

Reviews

[Jules]

This is astounding and enchanting and it just makes me want to experience it all for myself. Also mostly makes me grateful for your sharing because I feel in some small way that I HAVE experienced it, through your eyes and your beautiful words.

Truly incredible, and I loved the form of it, because it cast everything into stark relief.

[Gandré]

well it was like a feast of having fresh juicy strawberries with whipped cream. I had a good feeling when reading it loud. I especially liked "Fine fabrics, Stucco, flowers, Vegetables, fruits, Arrayed abundance, Discordant". ----------this were my favorite lines.

[Emily Elizabeth]

A wonderfully well-written and inspired piece. I have been to Spain many times before, and you have captured the mood of the peaceful and tranquil daytimes so brilliantly! I really admire how your poem appeals to the senses- sight, sound, touch- to really place the reader at the scene. I also love your use of colour, and how you seem to have 'painted' this poem, much like Goya painted his masterpieces.
This indeed is a masterpiece too. You have a lovely delicate style of writing and it works exceptionally well in this instance. Your poem flows gently and really well, too, in a gentle way. There is nothing imposing about this poem and yet it sticks in your mind because of its vibrancy.
There is nothing to change about this poem at all, from what I can see. :]

[closed account]

lovely,,,, pure and lovely,,,, Thank you I have been staring at my canvas with a sense of lost of inspiration until now,, I think I am going to paint something of Spain...

[Gary H]

yes, this does capture my imagination - especially since I play classical guitar. thought this was a wonderful piece and floats along from beginning to end. one point that might or might not be useful is to look at the 'the's in the poem. personally I always find they make the flow a bit awkward sometimes. Looking at the last five or six lines you could take them out and see what the work sounds like?

[Lily1111]

This poem is rich with imagery, sound and feel. It awakens all the senses and the reader can experience the memory too. Rather than recite a memory, the reader is transported to experience the memory with all their senses. It really brings you into the moment which I particularly enjoyed. Who needs photographs for memories when you can write like that? I know you often want corrective critism, however, I wouldn't change a thing about this wonderful poem. Truly enjoyed.

[Bluedaizy]

Your poetry blows me away. Your use of words is incredible. Trying to critique your work is impossible for me as there is no way I can do you justice. All five of my senses are stirred at your imagery. Seriously, I'm at a total loss of words. Beautiful! Bravo!