Between Green Thread and Broccoli and the Poem That Inspired It

Between Green Thread and Broccoli
mixed media on cradled board
16 x 20 inch

A while back I was visiting Sharmon Davidson's blog where she had posted one of her wonderful collage works, and with it there was a poem by Tony Hoagland called The Word.  I was immediately drawn to the poem and looked up Tony Hoagland to read more of his work.  There is a style to his writing that resonates with me and I found myself returning to read The Word a few more times which led to an idea for a painting.  I jotted down a sketch and some thoughts to go with it then set it aside, not feeling sure if it was something I truly wanted to paint.   But the idea and the poem stayed with me.

Below are some closeups and the words of the entire poem.  You can see bits and pieces in my painting that derived from the poetry, and there were so many other elements I wanted to add.  However, I worried it would be too busy and decided to keep the composition simple.  

detail

detail

detail

The Word

by Tony Hoagland

Down near the bottom

of the crossed-out list

of things you have to do today,

between "green thread"

and "broccoli," you find

that you have penciled "sunlight."

Resting on the page, the word

is beautiful. It touches you

as if you had a friend

and sunlight were a present

he had sent from someplace distant

as this morning—to cheer you up,

and to remind you that,

among your duties, pleasure

is a thing

that also needs accomplishing.

Do you remember?

that time and light are kinds

of love, and love

is no less practical

than a coffee grinder

or a safe spare tire?

Tomorrow you may be utterly

without a clue,

but today you get a telegram

from the heart in exile,

proclaiming that the kingdom

still exists,

the king and queen alive, 

still speaking to their children,

—to any one among them

who can find the time

to sit out in the sun and listen.

_____________________________________________

I hope you enjoy the painting and especially the beautiful words of Mr. Hoagland.  I don't know about you, but it inspires me to remember not to get so busy that I forget to enjoy all the pleasures that are so easy to take for granted...like sunlight.

I want to thank you all for your wonderful comments on Tahmoor's Table in the last post.  I read every word and really appreciate the comments particularly about the changed face.  I am trying to push myself a bit artistically without completely changing the way I normally paint things.  I have had my sleeves rolled up these last two weeks painting in sketchbooks...everything from faces to clothing to table settings...and enjoying the sunshine.  

See you soon.

♥ Lisa