Ekphrastic Poetry

Under the Willows, painted by Francis Hopkinson Smith, 1915

While browsing through some poetry sites recently, I came across the term ekphrastic poetry [ehk-fruh-stik poh-i-tree] .  I had never heard of it before, and had no idea what it was.  After a little searching, I learned that it is poetry inspired by a piece of artwork -- a painting, a photograph, a statue, or any other kind of art form.  In other words, it is art about art.

Once I knew what it was, I wanted to try writing my own ekphrastic poem.  I looked for a painting in the public domain, one that "spoke" to me, and finally chose the picture above, painted by Francis Hopkinson Smith.  I like the sense of calm I feel when I look at it, the way the light shines on the water, and the graceful willow trees.  I chose to focus on just one tree in my poem, the one in the forefront of the picture.  Here's what I came up with:

Under the Willow

The willow,

tall and green,

leans

over the pond,

watching

patches of sunlight

dance

and

glide

over the water.

A breeze

ruffles

the leaves

on her shaggy head.

She bends

toward the shadows

and a slender branch

dips downward,

caressing

the smooth surface,

sending ripples

across the liquid mirror.

Tiny waves

lap 

against the shore

and the wooden boat

moored there.

This is a

 sanctuary--

calm,

cool,

and quiet,

under the willow tree.

~ Janelle H.

Have you ever written ekphrastic poetry?  If not, I suggest giving it a try.  It's fun!  Feel free to use the painting above for inspiration, or any other artwork that catches your eye.  I hope you will share your poetry here -- I'd love to read it!