Monalisa

She is strong, not afraid to act, not afraid to speak

She is also helpless at times, sensitive and weak

She is polite and elegant, for the most part

But believe them when they tell you she is rude and not lady like

Don't mistake her forgiveness for her gullibility, 

she knows what's up, don't undermine her ability.

Don't be surprised to see her ignore you,

you probably asked for it

She is smart and wicked,

she took three steps ahead of you when you thought you had it.

Oh she's innocent as a child and vicious as a snake,

you can count on her to act accordingly,

she is one but so many things.

I guess she's a mystery to you, incomprehensible,

but for those who know her well,

that's just her, it's who she is.

Reviews

[chrysantheranium]

What a wonderful piece! Humans are such complex beings and sometimes we get so caught up trying to dissect the intentions of others that we lose track of the idea that we are one and the same, a mass of troubling and conflicting emotions and characteristics that press together and create walking masterpieces. We can be kind and thoughtful, cunning and brave... We can be all sorts of complicated and that's what makes us gorgeous. Embracing our inner Mona Lisa is the best we can do for our own sakes.

I particularly enjoyed the line "Don't be surprised to see her ignore you, / You probably asked for it."

Keep it up, Li!

[Li]

Yes, exactly. People's behaviour or personality are not as predictable as we'd like to think. Like you said, we are all sorts of complicated. Thanks a lot Chrysantheranium! Always a pleasure.

[barleygirl]

This is brilliant writing & thinking! Wow! I was totally carried away. I started out "grounded" as if this poem were going to be your average run-of-the-mill carry-off from some well-known piece of art, something we writers do all the time when we can't think of a thing to write about. It felt like you were actually interpreting this art at first, but this poem gradually took off like an airplane zooming down the runway & finally leaving earth completely. About halfway thru, this poem departed old boring Mona baby. This became a whole other magic carpet ride. The caricature you created of this topsy-turvy good-girl-bad-girl mischievous irresistible vamp is pure artistic talent like one rarely sees here at the cafe. This is top notch imagination meeting top-notch word-crafting (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Li]

I am so glad you enjoyed it. We tend to want to people in a box, and I wanted to convey in a sassy way that it's not all black and white.

Thanks for your wonderful comment M:)

[John the Baptist]

The poet uses the famous painting as a metaphor for women, or maybe for one particular woman. It is a warning to the aggressive to not take her lightly, because behind that coy smile is a mind and will of steel.

[Li]

Thanks a lot for your insightful comment John!🙏🙏

[DAH]

Lots of info here about a stranger, elusive, mysterious, not easily accessible,
does anyone know her, I mean really know her?

DAH

[Li]

She will forever be a mystery to most DAH....lol

[DAH]

agreed! ....

[Vin]

Need to know more about her.


LOVE

[Li]

Like what? But you know the essence of it is that people can misunderstand others' intentions and actions. It's not really about r knowing the person well but what you interpret the actions of others particularly women when you see it.

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Beautifully written, Li.
I like the composition of this piece.
It entails many things; from the point of natural to that supernatural ability of the protagonist. I don't know much about Monalisa, but I know that Dan Vinci would have had his reason for drawing her picture.

[Li]

Yes, a woman has a lot going on than she lets on!! Thanks for the comment Kay!!

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

You are welcome, Li.

[Anne’sRants]

so much hidden behind a smile. Nice write Li

[Li]

Thanks a lot Anne!!

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

she took three steps ahead of you when you thought you had it.
Oh she's innocent as a child and vicious as a snake,

I REALLY love this part, this is so very creative and so well written

[Li]

Thanks so much for your wonderful comment kesch!

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

not a problem....

[Karmee]

Wow, this is deep and so very well written

[Li]

Thanks a lot Silent K!!