Elaine

(Sophie Anderson 1823-1903 walker Gallery Liverpool)

A funeral barge carries the cadaver of Elaine, 

supine on a bier, she is young and beautiful

A decorative blanket, embroidered in fine stitches

show flora and fauna on a background of rich gold silk

Her lengthy red hair cascades in abundant waves,

streams over a soft pillow where her head rests

Skin, deathly pale, hands cross on her chest

she clutches a white lily, a sign of purity and a letter

At the bow, her faithful servant sits, an oar in one hand,

the other screens his face as though he weeps with grief

A heraldic shield, displayed above her, and through the trees

leafy on the bank, shafts of sunlight break through

They cast brilliance over her as she floats slowly,

slowly downstream to Camelot and King Arthur's castle

Where her dear love Lancelot, a Knight of the Realm

abandoned her in favour of Guinevere, the King's wife

Lancelot will read the letter, which declares her undying love

I surmise, the expression on the windows of his soul

Author's Note

( a combination of artwork and legend)

Reviews

[Lorry]

And once again you paint such a beautiful picture with your words Christine. This reminds me of being in the Kelvingrove art gallery so many times as a child. I always saw something new in the paintings I had seen a hundred times before. Maybe thousands. Well, it is Scotland and we went every time it rained :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry. I also frequent art galleries and did so as a child, but not as many times as you. I have always loved art almost as much as I love poetry. When I visited Scotland, I must have been lucky, the sun shone. Thank you for checking in.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

As one of my favorite poets might have said, "Lovely, dark and deep."
Lancelot has, indeed, a lot to live down.
Profound tragedy well writ!

[kitty]

This is about me in a previous life! Legend is good: it transcends my spirit. loved this sentimental write. Thank you Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

I am fascinated by legend Kitty. Certainly a good topic for poetry or artwork. Thank you so much for your response.

Chris

[Wild Rose]

Very sad > you created a moving picture in words > I could imagine the boat and it cargo lily and note in her hand

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Wild Rose, your response to my Elaine poem, much appreciated.

Chris

[emmajoy]

' A heraldic shield, displayed above her, and through the trees ~ leafy on the bank, shafts of sunlight break through ~ They cast brilliance over her as she floats slowly, ~ slowly downstream to Camelot and King Arthur's castle.. '

Those stanzas seem to tell the heart of your tale plus, display the skill of their writing. You've conveyed the beautiful sadness of the event, followed by the time and shifting space so finely, Christine. .

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em. Artwork and legend combined to make poetry.

Chris

[emmajoy]

And very cleverly..

[sette]

thank you very much for a very informative poem ive learned a lot

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your review sette.

Chris

[Jack O]

Love the last three stanza.

Made me think of writing a scene in a bar. Just to recreate the emotion of it.

The things i read here that make me think of others things are the best I think. I wrote a 23 page story based on an idea someone typed . I have no idea who typed it.

I like what you have typed. Makes me think. that is a good thing and a good think.

[Chris Shaw]

If I can make you think, and you are happy with that Jack O, then so am I. Thanks for checking in.read moreIf I can make you think, and you are happy with that Jack O, then so am I. Thanks for checking in.

Chris

[Effie]

Beautiful picture and a bittersweet story you create. Well done and a pleasure to read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Effie, pleased you enjoyed it.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

Exquisite writing, Chris. It reads as though you were there. Thank you for allowing us to be, too!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kelly. Painting and poetry, nothing better for me.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

So very touching and exquisite Chris. I can see your elegant words painstakingly embroidered in threads of gold on an ornate but somber Medieval tapestry depicting this tragic legend of Elaine. Themes of love and death in confluence...perfect couplets in classic language with such romantic funereal imagery. Just beautiful.
P.S. I must reference the artwork you lead us to. Thank you!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Annette. I can't upload anything at the moment due to a storage problem on my pc. Hoping I will be able to get this rectified, so readers can see the artwork.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

Wonderful art inspired wonderful poet. You are converting brilliant canvases into exquisite poetry and bringing classics to life. I don't need to google to see the painting of Elaine, because I can clearly see her in your beautiful words. Thank you for culturally enriching us .

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you M. These wonderful paintings deserve an airing, even if it's only with my words, it brings some life back to them. I sincerely hope the artists would approve.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

I agree with you. your fondness for art is wonderful and from now on I will look at a painting with new found appreciation.

[Chris Shaw]

I hate the idea of dead poets and dead painters where their lifetime work is covered in dust M

[Mrudula Rani]

Only the best survive the test of time chris.