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| Susan Macdowell Eakins "Portrait of Mary & Elizabeth" (detail) 1879 |
Faultlessly gentle my sister, her laughter
a hesitant lift of an otherwise
perfectly strung bowstring mouth -
usually generously bestowed,
yet here we sit this afternoon
in exaggerated solitude, her lashes
fan pale cheeks, eyes downcast,
silver-tipped finger guiding
evenly placed stitches -
I sense more than hear
the altered rhythm - first hint
all is not right, glance sideways,
notice her little finger quivers, fidgets
above a scarlet drop splashed
upon light blue. Her knee shifts
from mine - first hint I'm the cause
of such distress.
I return to my read, notice
her shoulders rise, hold, release,
as if counting down from ten,
ponder whether "Anna Karenina"
meets not with approval -
think to myself a trifling romance
of hypocrisy, jealousy, and passion
is exactly what she needs.
by Margaret Bednar, August 24, 2013
I am hosting over at "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Artistic Interpretations - Stillness, Silence, Solitutde." It was first presented on Friday, but I know Friday's are busy and late arrivals are welcome - we always have "Open Link Monday". Also linked with "IGWRT's Open Link Monday"
Anna Karenina
perfectly strung bowstring mouth -
usually generously bestowed,
yet here we sit this afternoon
in exaggerated solitude, her lashes
fan pale cheeks, eyes downcast,
silver-tipped finger guiding
evenly placed stitches -
I sense more than hear
the altered rhythm - first hint
all is not right, glance sideways,
notice her little finger quivers, fidgets
above a scarlet drop splashed
upon light blue. Her knee shifts
from mine - first hint I'm the cause
of such distress.
I return to my read, notice
her shoulders rise, hold, release,
as if counting down from ten,
ponder whether "Anna Karenina"
meets not with approval -
think to myself a trifling romance
of hypocrisy, jealousy, and passion
is exactly what she needs.
by Margaret Bednar, August 24, 2013
I am hosting over at "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Artistic Interpretations - Stillness, Silence, Solitutde." It was first presented on Friday, but I know Friday's are busy and late arrivals are welcome - we always have "Open Link Monday". Also linked with "IGWRT's Open Link Monday"
Anna Karenina
14 comments:
very nice interpretation!
Very descriptive, love the thoughts expressed through the one sister.
"Sisters, sisters" to quote a famous song!
You have read much into this painting - the pricked finger, the title of the novel and the unspoken relationship between sisters. Thank you for a wonderful challenge, Margaret.
Love the details of subtle changes in the relationship by little movements of body language ~ This challenge was more difficult that I thought, thanks Margaret ~
Outstanding acquiescence to the magnificent painting ~a flawless threading of pictures, feelings & passions by your creativity ! A collectors item!
Sisters, how aptly they can read one another...beautiful voice for the image
a very observant interpretation.liked the narrative you wove.
Margaret this is wonderful... I feel as though I'm in the room observing the sisters too... thinking how often it is only between sisters that certain, signs of disapproval or approval are noticed. I have two sisters, and two daughters, so I know about these unique bonds, jealousies, and judgments... no matter how much love is present in the mix.
Anna K. will surely distract her! How wonderful to make this first person from the one reading the book and the signs. When women were corsetted to stillness, any tiny movement is something--and maybe that s true even now for men and women. I like all the little moves of fingers and knees and lips and eyes.
Your beautifully written piece brought to mind memories of my mother and her sister sitting together knitting. Every so often they would share a gentle barb at each others expense. In a loving, sisterly way...
I love this story....it so suits the picture, and the times......love the thought at the end-"exactly what she needs". Hee hee.
I love how you teased out what is unspoken between the two sisters. So perceptive, nuanced and wry.
Thank you for a wonderful challenge!
Taut internal dialog, closing with a sly flourish
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