A Dinner Table at Night, 1884, John Singer Sargent
red wine smoulders on tongue,
washing away the lamb dish, served on silver platter
should she take coffee?
she peers at her companion, black and white tie
a study of political correctness and wealth
glimmering the room in rose madder and gold
her black satin dress is now heavy on thighs
maybe a cold dessert pie will cool her off,
as his voice rose in disparaging, sharp clicks
she nods slowly, pale and poised as an arrow,
while looking at the silvery lamp
it needs more polish, maybe 2 more vigorous rubbing,
she mentally muses, while checking the dip of her decolletage
clock ticks so loudly
as the conversation meanders on Madame X scandal
Written for The Mag - Thanks for the visit ~
A delicious game. And it's as if there is no world beyond the room. As if time has stopped.
ReplyDeleteWe can only wonder as to how it shall end, or perhaps invent the nightcap of our choosing.
Have a good sunday, Grace
Another great poem
Rick
The words flowed seamlessly, so free and full of meaning ... great share :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is finely crafted. I particularly like the line, "she nods slowly, pale and poised as an arrow,"
ReplyDeleteI like this one. You catch the atmosphere. I also like your nod to Sargent. Of course that scandalous portrait is completely tame today.
ReplyDeleteexcellent glimpse into this image!
ReplyDeleteinteresting...there seems to be much more of this tale...i would be uncomfortable in the stiffness of the moment...wondering whether i whould do something or not...way too proper for me...smiles...
ReplyDeleteAhhh... Madame X.. You did your homework too I see. It all helps to add the flavour of what the artist is about, doesn't it :)
ReplyDeleteLoved it. She, keeping her poise, he, keeping an eye on her weight. Typical!
i like the arrow line too
ReplyDeletedark night red light
mmm....rose madder..see its all about the colours for me!!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, Heaven! The conversation piece seemed destined to ramble on. Madame X stood slender in Sargent's painting. That was a clever supplement.
ReplyDeleteHank
Sounds like she is really really bored, or just very perceptive, but I'll go with bored, as the guy sounds rather dry.
ReplyDeleteI love all the attention you gave those little details. It made your work so vivid and alive. Thank you for sharing this lovely work, Heaven.
ReplyDeletequite lovely and sophisticated. the attention to detail
ReplyDeletemakes this poem delicious.
love how the words and lines flow... i need to learn this...
ReplyDeleteJJRod'z
I like this one, Grace. I'm curious though, is the "2" symbolic?
ReplyDeleteThanks Elsie for the visit ~ The number 2 came to my mind while reading about Madame X scandal ~ There were actually 2 original paintings that he did, but the second one is an unfinished version of the same pose. The painting at that time was considered scandalous, but compared to now, is nothing.
DeleteThank you for clarifying that, Grace. I should have known because the link you provided led to the other picture =)
DeleteBeautiful as always...
Sounds like a recipe for a boring evening... :)
ReplyDeleteWhen you have a slight buzz- the clock ticks slowly! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a tense and boring evening, but your poem was far from boring! I love all the imagery.
ReplyDeleteShe seems so caught ... almost imprisoned. Wonderful interpretation.
ReplyDeletewonderful creation
ReplyDeleteLovely Post.
ReplyDelete~Desire v/s Destiny
http://xs2rahulz.blogspot.in/
The air is thick with silence and suspense...well written.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you did this, Grace. You can really feel that clock dragging!
ReplyDeleteThe Madame X was a lovely surprise...
ReplyDeleteA lovely story, and appreciate the background that you shared. Nicely penned!
ReplyDelete"pale and poised as an arrow."
ReplyDeleteReally nice.
=)
You conveyed her feeling of utter boredom so well- the mark of a good writing.
ReplyDeleteYou paint a lovely and intriguing picture!
ReplyDeleteIt feels so....gratuitous !
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your poem. It is a true representation of what women were expected to be like when the painting was done. Though she seems very bored, she continues to nod as if she is interested. I also like how you worked Madame X into the poem. Wonderful job.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Please do tell me more!
ReplyDeleteI do believe her musings were more entertaining that the conversation of the gentleman! Great write!
ReplyDelete... 'red wine smoulders on tongue' ~ it does indeed. I enjoyed your poem, very much!
ReplyDeleteThe conversation is obviously not holding her attention. Good take on the image.
ReplyDeleteLoved the link to Madame X. I enjoyed your whole take on this photo!
ReplyDelete