Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Magpie #94 - "Nibbled Transgressions"

"Lunch", George Tooker, 1964, Columbus Museum of Art  
Nibbled Transgressions

Like sandwiches, transgressions are nibbled,
transformed into "tea" sandwiches,
Father's divine law ignored: removal of crust a mortal sin!

Some turn their backs as they reshape their guilt,
pretend they entered the sanctuary
with neatly trimmed, bite sized short comings.

A few succeed in devouring whole their crimes,
cleansing wickedness with a dab of holy water
before they walk out the carved alder entryway,

for now, ignoring the Saint's beckoning call "Come back!"
and the beaconing light above the confessional door.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, December 7, 2011

* * * * *

This is linked to and written for Magpie Tales #94.

St. Phillip Benizi's entryway door
"functional art," noting that the saints lived dramatic lives. "By touching the art, we engage in the reality of the saint’s life," he says. "We walk through the door representing St. Philip’s time on earth. This speaks to the unconscious."


"The construction, design and noble beauty will help remind people of Christ’s presence, lift their minds to God, and help them transition from everyday life to the Sacred Mysteries,"

11 comments:

Helen said...

Margaret, I love where you took us with this! Unique, full of meaning.

Anonymous said...

Very creative take on the prompt. I love the idea of nibbling away at transgressions, bite-sized shortcomings, Saint beckoning unheeded.

K.

Jinksy said...

bite sized short comings

Loved this turn of phrase! LOL

Laurie Kolp said...

I really enjoyed this, Margaret. Love the peeling the crust metaphor!

izzy said...

Great little inventory and so appropriately drawn! very neat,
and musical.

Lisa Gordon said...

I love this!

G-Man said...

Margaret Bednar...
I suddenly feel very refreshed!
You Rock Baby!

CHummelKornell said...

Such a different approach. I'd say more but I have the urge to go to Church! Well done.

Isabel Doyle said...

wonderful approach to the painting

susan m hinckley said...

Very cool -- I loved this take on the prompt, and especially the second stanza. Perfect.

Tess Kincaid said...

I like the bit about the removal of crust...nice...