A Simple Life Bridge. . .#TankaTuesday

7/25/2023

Hello blog friends,

It's #TankaTuesday and author Colleen Chesebro invites us to write an Exphrastic poem, using as inspiration, the 1816 painting by John Constable, entitled Wivenhoe Park, Essex.

My tanka poem reflects on a small bridge that links the university grounds with the pastoral fields. When I saw the painting, my attention went immediately to that simple structure.

If I were a student at the University of Essex (the building in the background), I would surely cross that bridge. How about you? Do you find it enticing as well?

I hope you have a wonderful week, replete with long walks in nature. All the best to you! 💚

37 Comments

Pankaj Kumar link

7/25/2023 18:44:57

Through your poеtic lеns, thе painting transforms into a gatеway to contеmplation and introspеction. Your ability to еvokе еmotions through such concisе vеrsеs is truly admirablе, and I find mysеlf captivatеd by thе captivating journеy your words takе mе on. 👍👏👌😊

Gwen M. Plano

7/26/2023 08:22:23

How kind of you to say, Pankaj. Thank you so much. You've transformed my day. Blessings! ❤️

Annette Rochelle Aben link

7/26/2023 05:19:31

and dreamers like me too! <3

Gwen M. Plano

7/26/2023 08:21:05

Yay...sister dreamers. Thank you, Annette. 🤗

Vera Day link

7/26/2023 05:38:55

I love your poem, Gwen. It pulls me into the beautiful painting.

Gwen M. Plano

7/26/2023 08:20:35

Thanks so much, Vera. It's a wonderful inspiration to write. So magnificent. ❤️

Liz Gauffreau link

7/26/2023 05:44:45

I absolutely would cross the bridge into that pastoral world! Your question reminded me of a cartoon I have on the wall in my study that shows a lone figure ice skating, with the caption, "In nature, Raymond seeks solace from studying the Romantics."

Gwen M. Plano

7/26/2023 08:19:56

Love that, Liz! Yep, I can imagine you crossing that bridge. We can get lost in nature and forget our worries. ❤️

Joan Hall link

7/26/2023 06:44:34

There is something so peaceful about the photo. Your poem captures it beautifully.

Gwen M. Plano

7/26/2023 08:18:17

Thank you, Joan. The painting is extraordinary and evokes soul-feelings. ❤️

JILL WEATHERHOLT link

7/26/2023 07:16:52

This is so beautiful, Gwen. I want to live in that picture! xo

Gwen M. Plano

7/26/2023 08:17:16

Me too, Jill. It's a beautiful painting. I long to spend time in a museum. It's been years. Thanks so much. ❤️

Mae Clair link

7/26/2023 09:08:33

Wow! The photo is gorgeous, but your words really transported me, Gwen. So well done!

Gwen M. Plano

7/26/2023 14:22:07

Thank you very much, Mae. It's an inspiring painting, which helped the words flow. ❤️

Daniel A Antion link

7/26/2023 12:18:34

I love bridges. I would definitely cross that one. Your poem is beautiful.

Gwen M. Plano

7/26/2023 14:22:33

Thanks so much, Dan. 😊

Tim Dittmer link

7/26/2023 12:42:01

Beautiful, Gwen. ❤️ Dream on.

Gwen M. Plano

7/26/2023 14:23:13

Thank you, Tim. Gotta find reasons to dream these days. 😊

Colleen Chesebro link

7/26/2023 17:13:21

Gwen, this tanka poem is lovely. I love how you use the bridge from the painting to connect the two realities in the painting. I love this!

Gwen M. Plano

7/26/2023 17:32:31

Thank you very much, Colleen. It's a captivating painting. Wouldn't it be amazing to view it in person? 😊

D.L. Finn

7/26/2023 17:43:00

So beautiful, Gwen. That painting really is a place for dreamers, I agree. xo

Gwen M. Plano

7/27/2023 05:11:54

So true, I would love to see it in person. Thank you, Denise. 🤗

Jan Sikes

7/26/2023 19:51:16

The painting is serene, but your poetic interpretation gives it such depth and meaning. Beautifully done, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

7/27/2023 05:12:28

Thank you so much, Jan. ❤️

Jade Li link

7/26/2023 21:19:58

Wonderful focus on the bridge in multiple respects. Gwen, not sure if you saw that my poem this week is the one you created for Colleen's birthday. Beautiful form to use.

Gwen M. Plano

7/27/2023 05:14:01

Thank you, Jade. I'll be sure to visit your site today. I always love your responses to the prompts - beautiful as they are. 😊

Yvette M Calleiro link

7/27/2023 10:59:44

Beautiful, Gwen! I love where this picture took you.

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

7/27/2023 21:16:22

Thank you so much, Yvette. It's an incredible painting, one that truly inspires. ❤️

willowdot21 link

7/28/2023 05:28:37

I love your take on this 💜

Gwen M. Plano

7/28/2023 15:32:11

Thank you so much, Willow. 😊

Balroop Singh link

7/29/2023 10:34:19

'Life bridge' is a fabulous image Gwen! It creates a lovely connection with Mother Nature. Beautiful thoughts!

Gwen M. Plano

7/29/2023 15:10:59

Thank you, Balroop. 🤗

Roberta Eaton Cheadle

7/31/2023 12:15:03

I like your take very much, Gwen.

Patricia Furstenberg link

8/1/2023 09:38:20

Gwen, your poem exudes a sense of tranquil beauty and profound meaning.
The imagery of "between worlds" paints a picture of a profound and transformative space that transcends ordinary. I lobve how your metaphor "simple life bridge" bridges the gap between realms. While "an overpass among trees," adds a touch of enchantment.
It's a delightful piece.
Congratulations!

ben Alexander link

8/3/2023 02:54:09

Utterly lovely. Even... beyond lovely, Gwen.

Much love,
David

Selma Martin

8/3/2023 02:55:30

You included yourself here. How very cool. I adore it. xoxo

Melissa Lemay link

8/5/2023 09:54:10

Beautiful.

A Simple Life Bridge. . .#TankaTuesday

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