Margaret at Real Toads has shared some wonderful artwork with us to inspire a poem that reflects on stillness, silence, and solitude. My poem was inspired by “The Girl in the Window” by Edvard Munch, and you can see the picture and find more poems HERE.
***
soft introspection
turning wide-open eyes
to her own heart and soul
seeking that private place
hidden behind a public persona
buried deep, past the
bumps and bruises
of loves long ago lost,
where she feels free
to forgive herself
those human frailties
holding her in place,
finally setting her free
to soar once again
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Forgiveness of self can be such a struggle; but worth it and so deserved!
To forgive herself…
There really is something magical about a window at night. I can remember, like it was yesterday, my window growing up (my parents still live in my childhood home) how I’d look out it at night and think, ponder, replay … life. Honestly, when I go back and stand there at night, I tear up. Lovely right.
The words “soft introspection” invited me right into your poem, like the painting. 🙂
Perfect description of the painting, and of the person who lives so shyly in that window and her inner life.
I so love this poem. It flows so peacefully, it put me in a very peaceful place. I especially love “turning wide-open eyes to her own heart and soul”. A beautiful description of solitude.
healing is such a timely thing
You have captured that almost indefinable quality in the painting.
The pacing like the heartbeat, like the breath, is soothing and inviting. I want to stand by this window. Also amazing is that this painting is by the same guy, I think, who did the famous “Scream.” Both of you make art that expresses.
Oh yes, a safe haven. I like where both of us went with Margaret’s challenge.
Yes, this resonates with me…these are the kinds of places we go mentally when that stillness comes…excellent working out going on in this poem!
How truly this speaks to honest introspection, Teresa, accepting oneself without reserve (those “wide-open eyes”) and living with oneself, as Toads must, warts and all.
K
I could so relate to this beautiful poem!
hope sounds here for renewing yourself, intent to stand toll for yourself.~ like the poetic flow here
Sometimes one just want to be “me” and you have beautifully depicted that feeling.