Sunday, January 6, 2013

IGWRT's Sunday Mini-Challenge "Yearning"

Artwork by M.C. Escher "Three Worlds"
Yearning

I'm trapped in today,
unable to grasp
why I survived;

instead I float and bob
like a leaf atop a pond,

endlessly yearn
to sink below,
embrace the past,

beyond the reach
of destiny's fingers.

by Margaret Bednar, January 6, 2013

This print somehow led me to remember a book I read this past summer, "Sarah's Key".  It changed the way I view a certain subject - made me more compassionate.  It takes place in France, and is a story about WWII - a story many are unaware happened.  It is not an easy read, but one I hold dear.  I just found out there is a movie with subtitles and will watch it on Neflix soon (it currently is a Play Now item).



This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "The Sunday Mini-Challenge" Featuring the artwork of M.C. Escher & the form Ekphrasis - the graphic, often dramatic, description of a visual art work.

I just got back from a weekend of snow tubing and zip-lining.  (I did not zip line -- too afraid of heights)

15 comments:

Hannah said...

Margaret, the tone you evoke matches this image perfectly. I love the idea of sinking into...embracing the past...not wanting to move forward. I feel that a lot when I notice how fast the babes grow...wishing time to slow.

Thank you for the mention of the book and the film...making note of it now. <3

Jennifer Wagner said...

I watched the movie some months back, but I haven't read the book. What a totally gripping, heart-rending story. Loved your write.

21 Wits said...

This is something I just recently learned about and must read and see! Lovely photo.

Kerry O'Connor said...

A wonderful interpretation of this image, Margaret. It's the same one I chose, and it's so interesting to read where it took you.

Anonymous said...

the poem does the image justice on its own, but adding your footnote of "Sarah's Key" makes it that much more intense.

wonderfully done, Margaret!!!

Brian Miller said...

the wondering why i survived is what caught me...i think we can all ask that on some scale...why we are here or made it....very cool write margaret...

Helen said...

So glad you are feeling better ~ holidays are not conducive to staying in bed nursing a cold or the flu. I fell in love with Kristen Scott Thomas when I saw 'The English Patient' .. movies and theater are my passion so you know I will be watching this on Netflix when it's available. And finally, your poem is awesome.

Susan said...

I know the story and the film--it's a definite "ouch" with overtones of horror. If that's behind "Yearning" I get it, but wish it could be otherwise. Live. Tell the story.

Grace said...

I love the yearning piece Margaret, specially the embracing of the past ~ I will have to check out the book and trailer ~

Kay L. Davies said...

Just last night I was speaking with my best friend, who has moved to England and phones me occasionally. We are both amazed to have reached our advanced ages despite life in the 60s and 70s when self-preservation was not a primary instinct.
"unable to grasp...why I survived" reminded me of our conversation. Fortunately we both, separately and together, know why we survived.
But this is a powerful poem, Margaret, and I'm glad you told us its origin. I'll write it down, look for the book.
K

Ginnie Hart said...

Hmmm. I'm not faniliar with Sarah's Key, Margaret, but I love Escher. In fact, Astrid has one of his big art books here in the apartment. You've reminded me to get it out and look through it again. So inspiring.

Margaret said...

Yes. I will never forget this story and empathize with her for how she deals with the extreme horror. But. Yes. Live. Tell about it.

Friko said...

This is a sad poem, a kind of trapped creature’s lament. I like it very much.

Janine Bollée said...

So evocative of the nightmarish image. Alice down the rabbit hole, plunging deeper and deeper.
BTW, I hope you never take the image you call 'Elise Take2' off your page. I have loved that since I first saw it, and when visiting, I usually treat myself to a trip down your page, to take another look. So full of mixed expression: slightly cynical and full of curiosity. Wonderful.

Jannie Funster said...

I've not heard of of seen the book or movie but your poem makes me want to. Anything about WW2 is usually very hard to watch, but full of profundity that brings home how lucky we are for those who sacrificed so much.

Happy New Year, a little belated.

xoxo