Shadow Sentinel
Ekphrastic Poem inspired by Leonor Fini: Autoportrait au scorpion
I am one with this painter’s hand,
Sheltering me within this gray glove, out of sight.
I am Leonor’s shadow sentinel, we will not be banned.
**
My tail imprints an oil tattoo for all to understand,
Our mark in the world is a graceful, playful sight.
I am one with this painter’s hand.
**
Yet others say we are disgraceful and misunderstand,
Leaving us to bare our scars from the fight.
I am Leonor’s shadow sentinel, we will not be banned.
**
Thrusting through a narrow threshold, to expand,
Sensual symphony on full display to delight.
I am one with this painter’s hand.
**
A deafening roar of chaotic thoughts splashes across the muted land,
Some will embrace, and others stay uptight.
I am Leonor’s shadow sentinel, we will not be banned.
**
Tis no matter, my presence hidden like the grains between toes of forgotten sands,
For my weaver of worlds dares all to excite.
I am one with this painter’s hand.
I am Leonor’s shadow sentinel, we will not be banned.
Image source: https://thesurrealatelier.wordpress.com/2015/08/30/leonor-fini-the-sphinx-of-surrealism/
About the Creator
Daphsam
Loving Wife, Mom, Dog Mom- A Dyslexic dreamer who never thought I could read or write. But life changed, and I conquered my fears. I am an artist, photographer, wordsmith and illustrator. Looking to weave stories and poems with my artwork.
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Letter to our Queer & Trans Youth
Hey, you. I thought I’d start this letter by telling you a little about myself, just so you know who you’re dealing with. I’m an emotional dad, father to three amazing kids who we met through the foster care system, and whose presence in our lives has really transformed my sense of responsibility to the communities that surround us. The connections we’ve made with one another, with our extended families, and with the communities where we live and look for belonging have catapulted us into this whirlwind of emotional tumult which, while not easy by any stretch of the measure, has also been remarkably healing. I realize ours is really only a one-sided chosen family, since our kids didn’t get to choose to live here, but I’d like to think that they did choose to let us love them, which allowed them to grow to love us. And I think that’s where I want to go with this letter- to a place where you can find belonging and healing- even if the pathway there may be peppered with some emotional tumult.
By F Cade Swansona day ago in Pride
Comments (6)
I am intrigued and now must research :)
This is beautiful
Wonderful work inspired but a wonderful choice of art. I was no previously familiar with the artist so thank you for the introduction. As a surrealist painting it makes much more sense that others of that movement.
This is very well written. Felt like the poems in english literature textbooks. Great work.
Well-wrought! This line literally made me gasp with appreciation: "my presence hidden like the grains between toes of forgotten sands" I love that you pay homage to the painters! Surrealism is especially dear to my heart!
To me this reads like one of those poems we read in English literature. Good work.