Polar Opposites

Here is a poem I wrote while at the Milwaukee Art Museum yesterday.  My inspiration came from the painting below the poem.  The artist is Jules Bastien-Lepage and the painting is titled “Le Père Jacques” (Woodgatherer).  I may still do some more editing but wanted to share what I have now.

Polar Opposites

By Rebecca Klamert

December 29, 2012

A man greying, wrinkled, and fatigued.

Hunched forward, on his back

a heavy load of branches he tossed.

Glazed eyes focused on the mountain ahead;

 a draining strength, a draining energy,

push him to persevere.

A youthful innocence long lost.

A blond child, hair running wild,

dressed in a gown the color of the skies.

Daises gripped in one hand with skin so mild

while the other scavenges, searches….

Cheeks with a hint of strawberry as she spies

her next treasure just beyond,

a dance in her step as she glides in pursuit.

Blue green grass grows at their feet,

flowers flourishing here and there,

leaves of fall scattered all about.

Trees baron of new growth seen everywhere;

their only leaves in the colors of the sun.

The forgotten fall surrounds them with

a mix of spring and summer.

Le Père Jacques (Woodgatherer)
by Jules Bastien-Lepage