(for Dónall) Portrait Of A Poet, Sleeping Poem by Janice Windle
(for Dónall) Portrait Of A Poet, Sleeping
Turning her head she finds his sleeping face
a few inches from hers. A moment to hold
in her mind’s gallery. Immobile, peaceful,
open to her calm inspection,
smooth cheekbones gold-pink,
eyes sunk, looking inward, heavy eyelids
falling across them like blinds from the broad forehead.
Nose somehow more delicate
than when he is awake. Lips firmly closed
over the voluble mouth. John Lennon, she thinks,
as she stores his mouth away. She keeps still,
despite her filling bladder and her stiffening back.
His hand still rests on her stomach, his foot on hers.
If she moves, the blinds will flick up,
the quiet breath will quicken,
his face will be remoulded by the lively muscles.
Where is he now?
Inside this calm mask, perhaps he’s running
in the pathways of neurons that link this moment
with the past. And who is she to call him back?
You have captured this special moment with an almost pictorial image, then enhanced the picture with all the intimate eloquence of an accomplished artist - a perfect image. S :)
You have painted a fascinating scene with this descriptive and skillfully written poem and I can see it all. She taking in her perceptions of him and not wanting to disturb the moment. 10 love Karin
'Inside this calm mask, perhaps he’s running in the pathways of neurons that link this moment with the past. And who is she to call him back' - I like these closing lines so much!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/25/2024 8:57:50 AM # 1.0.0.1119
you think as a painter, an artist and I've secretly peeped at your paintings of which I'm in awe...... Your description of early morning waking next to your lover is just as I know my own lover...we are both in love and mine as yours rests his foot against me, my back often aching, my own bladder filling but me not moving to watch his face, his shut curtains........ wonderful poetry Jan, just wonderful Ruthie