THE SCREAM

07 27 02

A stroke of sunset
from a sure dissector of the soul
gripped and froze a face
for eternity

Poor soul
singled out
desperate to save his ears
from the desperation of the landscape

Sentenced by the brush
to demonstrate dexterity
of blood
and tongues of fire
to the audience of eternity

If only the water
was within his wilting reach
or a tide of intuition swelled up
with cool donation

Rill or wave
any spill could snap him
out of solitary seizure
yet he is doomed
to listlessness
and sickness instead
the go-to of a landscape
in despair

The scream has taxed its owner
lungs have ruled his face and senses
since the lurking silhouettes
left him at the landscape
the desperate landscape

The sky for eternity
bathes in blood
extracted from his face
now pale and tired
and drained

Author's Note

Inspired by that famous Munch painting...another one I've been sitting on for several years but felt compelled to bring out at this time in light of recent events...

"I was walking along the road with two friends - watching the sunset - the sky suddenly turned red as blood - I stopped, leant against the fence, deadly tired - avove the blue-black fjord and the town lay blood and tongues of fire - my friends walked on and I was left, trembling with fear - and I could feel an infinte scream passing through the landscape" - EM

Reviews

[KAOlmsted]

First...I know I know, I've been scarce and I apologize for that...busy little bee, but still no excuse for neglecting my friends...I have a whole lot of time for which I need to make up.

Second...holy cats, dude ;-) I love that painting, always have. I believe a lot of people do, but not one of us, I am fairly certain, could have ever given it as much due as you have done so here. This is a stunning work inspired by, well, let's face it, a stunning work. To anyone who has never seen this magnificent painting, just reading about it from your pen would most assuredly be enough for them to paint the image in their own minds...you, my friend, rock.

Superior write. Stop hogging them all to yourself and share ;-)

[kublakhan27]

Haha no need to apologize my dear...I know you're a busy person and I don't feel neglected...whenever you have the chance to talk to me, it's cool :)

It's hard to explain but my connection with this painting goes beyond simply liking it...there are actually things in it that remind me directly of past events in my life, so even when I was young, I was pretty sure I was write something about it at some point...I'm not sure why I held onto it as long as I did but I know why I decided to bring it out (long story) Don't worry, there aren't many gems remaining in the back catalogue to hog ;P Thank you as always Kim :)

[KAOlmsted]

;-) Always my pleasure...

[kublakhan27]

;)

[Ufi Auttorri ~ Amy C. T..]

I guess I'll provide some counterpoint.

I've never liked that painting. Not because of the color, style or skill of the artist but rather because of the multitude of possibilities that are all too apparent in both representation and message. "The Scream" portrays a human cry; something people are wont to do out of desperation when all other possibilities for relief fail. It represents all too well that universal plea for help while, simultaneously, signalling unequivocal surrender to forces that have upset a delicate balance -- so necessary for existence in the often harsh reality of the human experience.

This piece, this poem, provides an abstract interpretive voice that supports the basic theme of the painting. A clear rendering of details that would perhaps go unnoticed; branches of thought unimagined by the more casual viewer.

I admire the form, phrasing and verbal imagery. I am intrigued with the subject of the painting's voice and imagined thoughts that provide even deeper levels of between-the-lines pensive laments. Still, I remain disturbed by the implications of a personal interpretation and resonance. For me, it has accomplished the goal of poetry. I do not turn the page unscathed.

[kublakhan27]

I'm not entirely sure what to say my friend...it's hard to explain but there are things in that painting that mirror things that happened to me when I was younger...I don't know if you'd call that a vested interest but I do think I relate to it on a deeper level than most people...as soon as you start drawing personal parallels to ANY piece of art, I think it becomes disturbing, whatever the piece of art may be, visual or literary...art in itself is dangerous, and disturbing...I knew that once I gave this poem that title, I was sealing the deal with the painting, and this poem would be forever linked with it...it was a bit of a gamble but I think it narrows the range for interpretation and widens it at the same time...again, it's something that's hard for me to explain...anyways, being a writing site, I will cease all talk of the painting at this point and just say that I'm glad you like the piece...I wish I didn't hold onto it as long as I did...thank you as always for the in-depth review :)

[Ufi Auttorri ~ Amy C. T. Serrat]

I dream of death while laying in a field of sweet smelling clover, a magnificent sunset fading behind the green hills and a panoply of twinkling stars emerging in the dark blue velvet of night. Perhaps someone will/has a painting for that poem. I'd be interested in reading your rendition of that one. :)

[kublakhan27]

Haha if I find a painting or drawing that fits the bill, I'll be sure to offer a literary counterpart and let you know ;)

[Ufi Auttorri ~ Amy C. T. Serrat]

How about this one? :)

http://www.writerscafe.org/ufoauthor/photos/I-dream-of-death-while-laying-in-a-field-of-sweet-smelling-clover%2C-a-magnificent-sunset-fading-behind-the-green-hills-and-a-panoply-of-twinkling-stars-emerging-in-the-dark-blue-velvet-of-night./162124/

[kublakhan27]

I'm fighting an awful case of block lately but I will keep this picture in mind, though the lines you've given to it are already pretty good ;)

[Ufi Auttorri ~ Amy C. T. Serrat]

But it's YOUR lines that we're trying to encourage. :D Hey, no worries, if you're blocked or otherwise engaged then no problem. It was just a thought, not a offer of indentured servitude. ;-)

[Frieda P]

I won't speak to the meaning behind this poem, I'm afraid I know too well what it conjures up. I will say that your poetry always speaks volumes to me, even when I don't fully understand every abstract word of it, this comes from a dark place I'm all too familiar with. The painting kind of gives me the creeps but I'm sure that's the intended stance behind it. I will say right about now, I want to scream and throw stuff...yep, it's that affecing. Brilliant and impressive as always Steve! xo

[kublakhan27]

What can I say, you were the inspiration in putting this poem out after years of holding on to it...I can't say we're coming from the same place but we're both wrestling issues right now that are scream-worthy...there is a lot of meaning in the painting and the poem for me, and I know I can relate to it more than the average person...this one definitely came from deep down...thank you Frieda, I'm glad you were able to tap into the piece in the way you have :) xo

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

First of all, I've always loved that painting. I have often mused at the thoughts behind the piece, and your poem shows an interesting take on this. You "paint" with your words, which is quite beautiful, and in this piece, quite powerful. Well written, I enjoyed the imagery and the feeling that this one evoked in me.

[kublakhan27]

It's hard to explain but there are things in that painting that are mirror images of things that happened to me when I was younger...I thought hard about the title cuz I knew the poem would be forever linked with the painting once I did that, but I think it was the right move haha Thank you for the review GF, glad you like it :)

[s y e]

I love the painting. It's a lovely picture, but wow, this blew me away, it was so well written and you certainly gave the painting justice. Amazing, I loved it.

[kublakhan27]

Thank you Noodle, I'm glad you like it :)

[quinfinn]

well, if this is from the vaults, you need to bring more treasures out and share them. this is superb writing,khan. one of your best pieces, i think. well penned!

[kublakhan27]

Thank you Quin for the kind words

[quinfinn]

always welcome, khan.