Flower Sellers of LondonA Poem by Chris Shaw(from a painting of the same name by Gustave Dore)
Gustave captures poverty with brush strokes,
in fine oils he reveals sadness on faces On a city of London bridge, two pretty flower sellers are shabbily dressed, draped in shawls of drabness A babe in the arms of each, one seller stands, the other remains seated, at her skirts a shoeless girl The hardship of the occasion is not lost to Gustave, hues of insipid greys and shades of dark with one exception A wicker basket ready, brimful of bunched blooms beautiful flora chosen for colour and high scent In a capital of opulence there is extreme destitution if flowers don't sell, mouths will go hungry, rent unpaid The flower sellers have a faraway look, they do not engage a babe in arms and the barefoot child reach out with their eyes The compassionate are yet to purchase and I wonder, how many hours will pass before the basket is empty?
© 2018 Chris ShawFeatured Review
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35 Reviews Added on June 7, 2018 Last Updated on June 7, 2018 AuthorChris ShawBerkshire, United KingdomAboutAlbert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..Writing
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