Poppies For Sale

(The painting still has the old label, Society of Women Artists, Westminster Gallery, London SW14 9NH. Poppies, watercolour £150 on the reverse) The artist lived in Wallingford, Oxford.

Intrigued by an artist's brush strokes,

a watercolour caught my eye

as I perused an army

of stacked frames.

The painter's name, Freddie Jeynes,

full resume on the reverse,

had once displayed her work

in a London gallery.

Too high a price for all 

the hours she had captured

flimsy poppies at their best,

full heads of silken, scarlet skirts

reminding me of war dead

long gone, at peace, at rest.

Florid tints applied with

precision tender care,

ten pounds to pay, "a deal I said".

The Gallery now deceased,

though soldier's blood still

bleeds in red torment.

I paused to think,

reflect on painter and poppies.

It was her that broke through the veil,

led me on a trail through Oxford lanes.

I saw her in the morning light,

reflected in the clear glass pane.

She smiled and waved back,

blew me a kiss she did.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the gallery might be closed down, but your poem will not let us forget the painter nor the men the poppies stand for...the fallen, those who gave their lives for their country...
I think they may smile at this poem and wave at the poet....a thank you wave...
Parts of this you used such excellent near rhyme...and there was a pattern to the rhythm that works like a charm.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review so thoughtful Jacob. Yes remembering both the fallen and the painter. I am pleased I managed to do that.

Chris

[Pete]

so powerful, poignant and telling. spilled blood never fully dries like paint. your words read deeply in moving tribute. powerful imagery with lasting, emotional impact. captivating ending. nice piece chris ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Pete. I really appreciate your visit. Have a good week-end my friend.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Finding those treasures tucked away in little shops is almost like someone leads you to the location, knowing you would be the one to appreciate the painting. The poppy has always been a fitting symbol of the dead on both sides of that terrible conflict. My granddad was at Vimy Ridge among other battles and came home...though he left a brother behind.
Judging by the comments, it would appear the Americans no longer use the poppy.

A good write, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ted. I appreciate your thoughts and your story about your Grandad as well. Have a good week-end.

Chris

[barleygirl]

WOW! This is an amazing story in a poem! This is one of your best, as far as picking a visual topic & painting in words something so vivid & palpable, it feels like we've lived thru this storyline WITH you. You show artists interesting ways to celebrate & show solidarity with other kinds of artists. I find all of art to be very inspiring, when it comes to writing. Here you show us the free uninhibited flow of such inspirations inside your caring, observant heart & mind (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Artists deserve to be remembered Margie just as poets do. She was a talented painter and I have the proof of that. Pleased you enjoyed this effort, and I appreciate your thoughts and visit. All good wishes, fondest

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

This reminds me of the song the final cut from Pink Floyd. I come from a military family the poppy is such a strong symbol to me, from a very young age I remember wearing the silk ones made from disabled veterans every veterans day before i even understood what it really symbolized i had an affinity for them. This is a wonderful piece of poetry Chris it really evoked a lot of emotion in this bunny

[Chris Shaw]

Bunny, thank you so much for your lovely review. Pleased you love poppies as much as I do. They are a strong symbol of remembrance, I have an affinity for them too.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

I wish i could get my hands on one of those again i think I would wear it every day now to many friends lost

[Chris Shaw]

Do you not have poppies to pin on your lapel for Veteran's day Bunny?

[Robert Trakofler]

For some reason they don’t makes the silk ones anymore I haven’t seen them in a long time you think I owning an antique store would come across them

[Chris Shaw]

Aw that's a pity.

[Lydia Shutter]

Although the painting is not posted here, I could see it in my mind's eye. Yes, that artist would blow you a kiss if she could read the wonderful tribute you have written here. I remember when poppies were sold for Veteran's day to help support vets. I don't think that happens anymore. A poignant write, Chris. A very good one. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi**. A poem about the painting and the painter. She has long gone but deserved to be remembered for her creative ability, just as we remember the war dead and veterans also. Your thoughtful response very much appreciated.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I know poppies in the UK are symbolic memorials of the WW1 dead (''In Flanders Fields''), but I am wondering if the last part of the work is metaphorical, or literal, as in the visitation by your grandmother you mentioned in our last communication.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much John for your review. No metaphor here. This is about the painter and the subject she chose to paint. I cannot look at poppies without thinking of the war dead. I believe many in the UK of the older generations probably share those views.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

i couldn't find the watercolour Chris, but yes the significance of poppies is all too real these days and paintings hold such a revered place....

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella. The artist is remembered by me and hopefully will be for many years.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

I am glad her work influenced you Chris, something to treat as a gift ..

[Papaya]

This is a beautiful way of remembering. It's not just gratitude but reflection, and truly understanding What it was all for. As time passes, the knowledge and memories will be passed on. As they should be.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Ana for your understanding. I am preserving her creativity for hopefully future generations. Her art moved me.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

so delightful and yet severe ... i am impressed by the universality of poppies in concert with soldiers slain .. if we could only learn the better way. :(
your street scene as poet passes painting, and vis-a'-vis, painter is such an intimate and marvelous connection ... very fine poetry Christine ... thanks so much for sharing
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Greetings Mr E and many thanks for yet another wonderful review. Yes I wanted to capture both the painter and the fallen in this poem. It is an account of exactly what happened. I got a bargain watercolour, beautifully painted. When I think of the hours work Freddie must have put in and the painting was donated to a charity shop. It would have hung well in the gallery but no one bought it. I would imagine her long gone, along with all the fallen, but her work is alive and thrives on my wall. I am happy for that :)

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

i think your a corker Christine

[Chris Shaw]

:)).................