Frozen Dreams -- #TankaTuesday poem

1/24/2023

Hello blog friends,

Today Colleen Chesebro posted a new poetry challenge. Interested writers are invited to use the painting by George Henry Boughton, Lady of the Snows, as inspiration. This form of poetry is called Ekphrastic poetry.

Studying the image, I'm drawn to the lady's expression. How about you? What do you see in the painting? I've tried to capture my reaction in a simple haiku. Maybe you'd like to add yours? It would be fun to share.

Have a wonderful week and bundle up. It seems winter hasn't left us yet.

48 Comments

Jacqui Murray link

1/24/2023 08:27:41

That is a beautiful reflection on the picture, Gwen. It's impossible not to feel a chill in the air!

Gwen M. Plano

1/24/2023 10:39:09

Thank you, Jacqui. I'm glad you picked up on the chill. 😊

willowdot21 link

1/24/2023 10:20:15

So much expressed in so few words, perfect 💜

Gwen M. Plano

1/24/2023 10:39:34

Thank you very much, Willow. 😊

Mae Clair link

1/24/2023 11:55:13

She does look extremely pensive. What an excellent poem of contemplation, Gwen. Great job!

Gwen M. Plano

1/24/2023 12:05:47

I'm so pleased you liked it, Mae. Thank you for your comment. 😊

Kerfe

1/24/2023 15:12:55

She does look like she is pondering deeply.

Gwen M. Plano

1/24/2023 15:35:32

I'm glad you see that quality as well. Thank you, Kerfe. 😊

Jacquie Biggar

1/24/2023 16:52:11

I like the question; obsessed or possessed by you? It gives me ideas for a book, lol.

Gwen M. Plano

1/25/2023 04:48:16

LOL...I'd love to read this one! Actually, I love reading any of yours. Thank you, Jacquie.

ms_jade_li@hotmail.com link

1/24/2023 20:58:04

I like what you see in the image. Very nice presentation as well.

Gwen M. Plano

1/25/2023 04:48:55

Thank you, Jade, for your kind words. 😊

JILL A WEATHERHOLT link

1/25/2023 05:15:05

I love your reflection on the photo, Gwen. This would make a great story prompt. My mind is going in many directions while studying what appears to be a sweet and demur expression. Thanks for sharing! xo

Gwen M. Plano

1/25/2023 06:11:31

Thanks so much, Jill. It's an evocative painting, isn't it? I'd love to see it in person. ❤️

John Howell link

1/25/2023 06:18:10

"Frozen dreams linger." This poem has a sinister backstory for sure. Well done, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:49:27

There's mystery, for sure, but it could be dark. Thank you for sharing as you have, John. 😊

Harmony Kent link

1/25/2023 07:23:21

Fantastic, Gwen! Hugs 💕🙂

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:49:49

Thank you, Harmony. 😊

Annette Rochelle Aben link

1/25/2023 07:34:23

Perfectly expressed.

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:50:16

Thank you, Annette. 😊

Jan Sikes

1/25/2023 07:48:55

You captured this perfectly, Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:50:56

Thank you, Jan. The painting holds a lot of possibilities. 😊

Liz Gauffreau link

1/25/2023 09:08:26

Exactly my thought, Jan!

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:58:18

And your thought brings a smile...thank you, Liz. 😊

Marcia Meara link

1/25/2023 09:13:05

I'm with Mae Clair. The first word that came to my mind when I studied the picture was "pensive." I think your haiku expressed that beautifully! Great job, Gwen! 😊

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:52:30

Thank you so much, Marcia. The painting is certainly one that draws the viewer into mystery. 😊

Balroop Singh link

1/25/2023 11:28:34

What an evocative thought Gwen! It paves the way for more. "Frozen dreams" is a beautiful image.

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:53:20

I'm so pleased you liked the imagery and thought. Thank you, Balroop. 😊

Priscilla Bettis link

1/25/2023 11:31:59

I love your response to the prompt, Gwen! It made me go back and reflect on the artist's painting.

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:54:19

I'd love to view the painting in person. I found it captivating. Thank you, Priscilla. 😊

Colleen Chesebro link

1/25/2023 13:13:08

Gwen, this really is an excellent senryu. I love the pensive look on the woman's face. She just seems so overdressed for an afternoon at the beach in winter... so, I like your idea of someone being obsessed with her beauty.

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:56:03

Thank you so much, Colleen. It's an incredible painting and stirs a lot of emotions. 😊

Yvette M Calleiro link

1/25/2023 15:30:00

Great poem, Gwen! I love your take on the picture.

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

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:56:28

Thank you so much, Yvette. 😊

Dan Antion link

1/25/2023 15:41:29

Yours is a wonderful interpretation, Gwen. Her expression says a lot.

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 03:57:00

Thank you, Dan. I'm so pleased you liked it.😊

Merril D Smith link

1/26/2023 04:51:24

You definitely captured her expression, Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 17:18:51

Thank you, Merril. Wouldn't it be great to see the painting in person? I miss going to museums. 😊

D. Wallace Peach link

1/26/2023 06:57:55

A lovely poem, Gwen. I love how differently poets interpret this painting. There is something deep in her expression more than anything else that captures the imagination. :-)

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 17:22:09

So true, Diana, something deep--and so many factors affect how we perceive. It's fun to read everyone's poems. Thank you for your kind comment. 😊

D.L. Finn

1/26/2023 11:14:57

You captured her fataway look so well, Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 17:22:28

Thank you, Denise. 🤗

D.L. Finn

1/26/2023 11:15:46

Lol...*faraway!

Gwen M. Plano

1/26/2023 17:23:01

It brought a smile...I knew exactly what you meant. 🤗

Elizabeth link

1/28/2023 18:38:05

She seems really in a dilemma! Nice take!

ben Alexander link

1/31/2023 00:42:42

That second line in particular leaves my heart aflutter, Gwen...

Beautiful.

<EM>~David</em>

D. Wallace Peach link

1/31/2023 06:26:48

I think her expression intrigued a lot of us, Gwen. There's so much left to interpretation. Beautiful poem, my friend. I enjoyed your take on the prompt. <3

Jules link

2/4/2023 08:38:52

Ah... I remember the infatuation of youth...
That is what your verse reminds me of. So glad to have an equal partnership with my 'love'. :D

Frozen Dreams -- #TankaTuesday poem

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