Wallace Stevens is one of my formative poetic loves and influences, yet "Thirteen Ways" has always, up to two minutes ago, left me cold and disengaged. It seems an irreversible condition. Among the many Stevens poems that fill me (I'll leave the description at that) is the poem considered to be the last that he wrote before his death, "Of Mere Being" -- and it includes a bird.
I know that poem, Jay. I hope others will click on your link. I'm planning a retrospective on all his work, including the essays.
I actually think that "Thirteen Ways" is rather dark, despite powerful use of imagery, but it has stuck with me ("irreversible condition" such a good way to describe it)--and so I searched for a whimsical reading.
Your painting is fine by me. You should see some of the abominations and angular vulgarity that I’ve ended up with when I load up a brush with some aquarelle and try to get it onto paper. In answer to your question, this is going to be kind of dark but my favorite bird poem is “The Raven” by Edgar Alan Poe. It seems your boy Rafaelito is a huge fan of Poe, M.R. James, Ray Bradbury and H.P. Lovecraft. ❤️!
Not at all, "dark" counts. And many view Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird as having dark overtones; thus, the search for a whimsical reading. Glad you enjoyed the painting attempt,, Rafael!
You really capture in your drawings of Arthur how he worries after and loves his little fish. And how you love your little granddaughter. We all need someone to care for us as much as you and Arthur care.
You know what I love the most about these letters Mary? It's so beautiful to witness all the love you pour into these letters to your granddaughter, and then the creative turn "Meanwhile..." into a story and poetry inspiration. You are the ideal safta! I know I said this before, but I would have loved to have a safta like you.
These two paintings are my favourites so far Mary, I love how you have painted Arthurs quizzical expressions and 'Thirteen ways of looking at a Blackbird' beautiful, each and every verse bt especially verse VIII -
Wallace Stevens is one of my formative poetic loves and influences, yet "Thirteen Ways" has always, up to two minutes ago, left me cold and disengaged. It seems an irreversible condition. Among the many Stevens poems that fill me (I'll leave the description at that) is the poem considered to be the last that he wrote before his death, "Of Mere Being" -- and it includes a bird.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57671/of-mere-being
I know that poem, Jay. I hope others will click on your link. I'm planning a retrospective on all his work, including the essays.
I actually think that "Thirteen Ways" is rather dark, despite powerful use of imagery, but it has stuck with me ("irreversible condition" such a good way to describe it)--and so I searched for a whimsical reading.
I'll look forward to that retrospective, indeed!
Your painting is fine by me. You should see some of the abominations and angular vulgarity that I’ve ended up with when I load up a brush with some aquarelle and try to get it onto paper. In answer to your question, this is going to be kind of dark but my favorite bird poem is “The Raven” by Edgar Alan Poe. It seems your boy Rafaelito is a huge fan of Poe, M.R. James, Ray Bradbury and H.P. Lovecraft. ❤️!
❤️!
Not at all, "dark" counts. And many view Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird as having dark overtones; thus, the search for a whimsical reading. Glad you enjoyed the painting attempt,, Rafael!
Haha! Good idea to consult the canary! I hope your granddaughter was enjoying these letters as much as we are!
Don't you love the canary's name: Aristophanes?
So perfect. A canary singing humor and social commentary into the breeze.
You really capture in your drawings of Arthur how he worries after and loves his little fish. And how you love your little granddaughter. We all need someone to care for us as much as you and Arthur care.
So kind and generous to this, truly, an amateur!
You know what I love the most about these letters Mary? It's so beautiful to witness all the love you pour into these letters to your granddaughter, and then the creative turn "Meanwhile..." into a story and poetry inspiration. You are the ideal safta! I know I said this before, but I would have loved to have a safta like you.
How about I be your Safta now!
Mary, this comment has brought tears to my eyes…. Even though you are too young for that role, I’ll gladly accept! 😘🤗🙏🏼
Probably not too young, Imola!
I just read back through this series, Mary. Not only do I love the watercolours, but also the strength of your love for Lila.
Oh, Ollie, you such a dear soul!
These two paintings are my favourites so far Mary, I love how you have painted Arthurs quizzical expressions and 'Thirteen ways of looking at a Blackbird' beautiful, each and every verse bt especially verse VIII -
"I know noble accents
And lucid, inescapable rhythms;
But I know, too,
That the blackbird is involved
In what I know."
Thank you for guiding me to such loveliness xx
Susie, I'm studying all of Wallace Stevens, including his essays. Thank you for the nice words about my super amateurish watercolors.
Still think your painting would make a great book Mary.
I agree, Richard!
You are so lovely, Richard.
This poem by Jane Hirshfield flew into my heart a few years ago and never flew out. https://poets.org/poem/counting-new-years-morning-what-powers-yet-remain-me
I love this poem and Hirshfield. Thank you for the link., Liz!
You're welcome, Mary!
If I have another child...I will give you naming rights...aristophanes, delicious!
Deal!