Can words paint a picture in the mind
Can a poem evoke a memory
Yes! the poem 'Reflection' by Paul Hansford
Brought it all back to me
The sky, the clouds, the grass, the trees
Mirrored in the still blue lake
A girl once drew this heavenly view
Spellbound in its gaze
Can one taste the colors of a rainbow
Just look into her eyes
The beauty of life surrounds her
Refracted in her smile
© 2009 Sonya Florentino
Background Info:
Many years ago I chanced upon a drawing (in crayon) by a child of a landscape: a view of a lake with the reflection of the land and the sky upon the surface of the water.
I was transfixed by this image not only because the child-artist had such impeccable technique (the drawing stood out from those of the other children) but because the child captured something so profound, something spiritual. I remember thinking the drawing could be inverted and it would not have mattered. I also noticed that the reflected half seemed more real-the colors more vibrant, the lines more detailed. I returned to look at it again but they had taken down the exhibit by then. Needless to say, I never forgot that haunting image.
A few days ago, I read a poem by Paul Hansford here in Poemhunter titled “Reflection” in the form of a palindrome (a poem that reads the same forward and backward) .
As I was reading the poem, the memory of the drawing immediately came back to me, almost like déjà vu. I now realize that even though I must have seen this kind of reflection on a lake at some point in my life, it took a drawing and a poem to bring back that feeling, reminding me of the importance of reflection, of communing with nature and recognizing the spirit in everything.
Subsequently I learned that “Reflections” is the title of one of his book of poems, the cover of which is a photograph of a landscape, yes-with a lake, and like the drawing, 'as above...as below...'
P.S. I know, one shouldn’t have to explain a poem, but I’m making an exception here.
Yes, the simple notion of a reflection so perfect in a sheet of water speaks to all of us in one way or another, and causes a 'reflection' in our own mind. I am happy that my own poem has struck such a chord with Sonya, and indeed with other readers.
This a great poem, Sonya, and an intriquing story. I love them both. N :)
Sonya, it is an awesome poem and a great tribute to Paul Hansford. When the soul gets reflicted into a touch, a sound, a fragrance, a painting, or a word it spellbounds us and transports us to the realm of bliss. Even the silence communicates more powerfullly in such state of mind than anything else.. CP
'A girl once drew this heavenly view Spellbound in its gaze Can one taste the colors of a rainbow Just look into her eyes The beauty of life surrounds her Refracted in her smile' Beautiful verses Sonya...Paul's poems have always been an inspiration to many poetry lovers in this site...a nice reflection nice poetic tribute...both...10
The beauty of life surrounds her Refracted in her smile A Lovely write............................
I too Sonya was spellbound by Paul's poem Reflection. It is truly beautiful and so skillfully crafted. Your poem really evokes the poem's magic and reflects how poets around the world can be in awe of Paul's poem Reflection. 10 Karin Anderson
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
'Spellbound' is enchanced by your eloquent story of how the poem came about. Beautiful work, Sonya.10/10. Love, SandraX