Flower Sellers of London

Flower Sellers of London

A 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 Shaw


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Featured Review

You too have painted a picture but in words. It makes distinct to me the metaphor of the poor in grey selling the opulent, maybe it is in the mass' of the poor that power resides. This has been used as a theme for social revolutions. A wonderful picture that evokes pitty and hope.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Many thanks Soren. The painting was amazing. So much going on about deprivation against wealth. Plea.. read more



Reviews

Heartache and broken dreams with empty pockets. Be proud behind a stand. Artisan loyalty. Fascinating Chris.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thanks duff. The painting showed beautifully the contrast between wealth and poverty. Fascinating st.. read more
Oh my. Your poem shows that there is tragedy even in the midst of beauty.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thanks Dale for stopping by to share your thoughts. Much appreciated. Happy Easter to you.
<.. read more
goodness, quite the bouquet. love the wording along with the story told. enjoyed the opening as well the ending question. had to check out the painting after reading - your emotive, well-chosen words do it justice. poetry at its finest. top tier stuff chris. happy easter! ... :)

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thanks Pete for all the encouragement. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. An older one out for an airing.. read more
Wow Chris, that was amazing. It was as if I were standing in front of the painting as I read this. Your talent really stands out in this. Beautifully done.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you will. The painting is amazing. The artist captures the contrast between wealth and depriva.. read more
Beautiful Work Chris and once again this close affiliation you have with visual artists - your Poems are high standard painterly miniatures. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Many thanks Tony for all your encouragement. This is an older poem out for a breath of fresh air. Pl.. read more
Dear Chris,

This poem rings out with such compassion... The painting says so much more than just being beautiful. On reading this, I take a moment to say a prayer for all those little ones from the bygone past who were not shielded from the harshness of those times with naught to keep them from death by sickness and penury.

Thank you for sharing this gem from your worthy archives.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thanks divya. I loved the painting. The contrast between wealth and poverty was huge, as was insipid.. read more
Ayvid N

1 Year Ago

It was such a pleasure!
You too have painted a picture but in words. It makes distinct to me the metaphor of the poor in grey selling the opulent, maybe it is in the mass' of the poor that power resides. This has been used as a theme for social revolutions. A wonderful picture that evokes pitty and hope.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Many thanks Soren. The painting was amazing. So much going on about deprivation against wealth. Plea.. read more
I am taking in this poem with a mixture of awe, surprise and delight too. Awe and delight at the beauty of the scene you paint as deftly with your quill as Gustave uses his brush. Surprise that such poverty exists in an affluent part of the world. If you took away the beauty and identity of the place, it could well be a third world nation. How wrong we are in our assumptions sometimes! Thank you for this beautiful, enlightening poem, dear Chris!

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Dear Ditzy, this painting reflects how London was for many in the 19th century. A wealthy city, yet .. read more
Dhara_Ditzy Kat

3 Years Ago

Loved this poem and it reads like a painting itself. Thank you for the treats my friend 💕
a very nicely done gesture to a beautiful painting filled with extremely fine detail, highlighting an excellent composition that represents how omnipresent poverty has always been and the sorry plight of those suffering
Really fine all over offering Chris
Very enjoyable


Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Thanks Dave for giving this old poem a chance to breathe. Much appreciated.

Chris
Interesting poem. I like the idea of bringing a painting to life and educating your readers about a painting they probably never knew but looked it up and thought it was interesting as I. Tyfs

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Thank you Cyprian for dropping in and sharing your thoughts. Your visit appreciated.

.. read more

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Added on June 7, 2018
Last Updated on June 7, 2018

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, 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..

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