The painting portrait

Eyes downcast
Lashes bent
Lips curved
Breast milky
Cheeks rouged
Neck soft inviting
Unknown suitors
Their invisible kisses
Imagined
He sweats with delight
Brush down
Water tipped
He falls to her feet
In honour
Of her pure being
He takes her hand
Guides her
Back to reality
She cries
I’ll stay with you

No my dear
I have you now forever
Go home
I have you here always now
The door slams tight
He lives alone in his world
With her forever
So pure
Untouched by man
He has her now
Satisfied
The paint dries
That was fifty years ago
His bird flew
To where he never knew
He doesn’t wish to know

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the painting is almost more alive than the people depicted in it...
reminds me of "The Portrait of Dorian Grey"---

love the last two lines....
and he loves that woman in the portrait...even though she is only real in his world.
this is one of your best poems...
really incredible, Julie.
j.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Oh thanks so much Jacob that’s a great compliment!

[barleygirl]

Many writers use a painting for inspiration (including me), but this is one of the most unique ways that I've seen it done. Most writers keep things in a mostly static realm, describing the painting. But your concept is so dynamic as you go from viewing to being part of the painting, so fluidly. It's convincing, the way you slip into the scene & bring it alive . . . then at the end, the scene recedes back into static painting mode again. This is an amazing journey of imagination (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Aww thanks blushing thanks xx

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

A sensational poem if we read the description and the feelings. Awesomely conveyed. Kudos.

Pls pleez do review/ comment/ give yer thoughts on my newest poem. I like Interaction for the human feel.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Thanks for your kind review

[Robert Trakofler]

When I feel so entranced by anything that beautiful my feeling is always that of not deserving and in the power of preserving I am truly desperate and lack the talent in art of which I will always be eternally jealous! Lovely portrait

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Thanks for this lovely review

[gram linski]

I liked the artist wanting to hold on to the beauty of the painting rather than the actual person on a pedestal, in a picture frame she cannot hurt him, only as a real person can she cause him pain,

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Thanks so much John

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Oops sorry ThAnkyou gram !

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared dear Julie. The painter blessing and burden. Can create a memory that can last forever. I liked the view of the artist in the words. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

ThAnkyou John for your review again !

[John the Baptist]

He preferred the portrait to the reality. I hope she got over it. He did her a real favor by revealing himself before it was too late.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Thanks for your review no I didn’t write it as if he was cruel he realised she was far too beautiful for him so he just took the portrait instead

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Written hastily as usual