On Seeing Ansel Adams, "Face on a Half Dome: Yosemite National Park"

 

Face of God.

I have seen you

covered in snow,

 

deep crevices web your features,

leaving them weather-worn

with worry and the rain of falling tears

 

for those who can look upon you,

Face of God,

And see only stone.

Reviews

[Vanessa Christine]

I Love Ansel Adams! I studied him in senior photography, he is brilliant. Your poem captures the essence of so many of his photos. I am also a religion student and find God speaks most clearly in those serene natural moments. Face of God- a perfect analogy. In order to be slightly constructive....would "engrave" perhaps be a better word for "web"...it sounds more momentous which would carry the weight of your poem further. Just a thought.

[J]

I have no idea who Ansel Adams is... a nature photographer like Andy Goldsworthy? If you haven't checked out his stuff, do so... it's so inspiring.

This piece is very... immediate, in the moment to me. Transcendental, meditative, and something anyone can relate to (who loves and feels the breath of God in those special scenic places, of course). It's an artform which many adults lose, I think, and what makes children so innocent-like and divinely inspired... and I never want to lose that child-like wonder for this world, ever.

A solemn yet celebratory piece.
Enjoyed, thank you =)

[Tania Leigh]

This poem combines two of my loves in life....photography and rock climbing, so I was immediately drawn to it. Nice alliteration in the second stanza gave it its own pace, and then the original pace resumed in the final stanza....a nice read!

[Tim McGovern]

I went and looked for a bigger view of this picture.
Once again your economy of words and sparse imagery convey a much greater story than appears on the page.
Very nice finish also.
Thank you
Namaste'
Tim

[RAWR!]

i think i liked the existential feeling to this poem.
i like the questions and answers you raise and give in so few lines.
it has a force to it.


me gusta.