Bound

Eternal torment

Prometheus

forever bound

to cold, unyielding rock,

an eagle tearing at his flesh,

feasting ‘round the clock

 

Rubens’

baroque masterpiece,

my nightmares it would feed;

tearing at my innocence,

never to be freed

 

Author's Note

I grew up with a copy of this painting in my parents' room. I have seen the original in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is an amazing painting - and it still gives me nightmares!

Reviews

[TrimarcoRansome]

I often wonder what the modern art critics would make of some of these classics if painted for review today! Probably suggest some medication!!! Great poem, I grew up in a house full of antiques and have similar memories to such objects!

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Yes, Art can be frightening! I wonder if some modern artists should lay off of some of their medication! Thanks, Trimarco!

[Rocans]

I am a fan of classical paintings,mythology and poetry so it is hard for me not to like this one. Your poem, though short-depicts this one beautifully.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Rocans! Glad you enjoyed.

[rhythm&blues]

Perfect for that painting, my parents had something similar, although it didn't hang in their bedroom.

[Rita L. Sev]

I really think parents do this to keep the kids out of certain parts of the house! Thanks, R&B!

[Damien Thibodeaux]

Rita, so are so good at putting words together with perfect tempo. Your poem uncannily describes the painting and the nightmares it gave you then, and those that linger on....

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Damien. I kept the description of the painting minimal, focusing on the parts that tormented me.

[Sirius King]

the poem captured the feel of the painting perfectly

great write!

[Rita L. Sev]

Just what I was going for. Thanks, Serenus

[quinfinn]

i can only imagine seeing this painting on your wall every night before going to sleep, especially as a young child. your words give it life and emotion. this is a superb write, a little out of character from the usual playfulness i see from you, but it serves to remind all that you are multi-dimensional as a writer. very good!

[Rita L. Sev]

I avoided looking at it for a long time - I suppose it was a way to keep the kids out of my parents' room! Thanks, Quin!

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Those inner demons are relentless in trying to tear the soul apart.
A wicked read for sure.

[Rita L. Sev]

Inner demons - hanging on the wall! Thanks!

[Sami Khalil]

"an eagle tearing at his flesh,
feasting ‘round the clock"
A write with an epic and myth proportions about the effect of this painting in our sleep...Well penned...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Sami. This painting really did give me sleepless nights as a child!

[Sami Khalil]

It is frightening . I do agree...:)

[Peter H]

hmmmmmmmmmm , nice poem and good allusion to Greek mythology

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Peter.