I entered a poetry competition which required an “ekphrastic poem”. This is a poem inspired by a work of visual art. I enjoy going to galleries and art exhibitions of all types, but I have my favorites. Impressionism and Expressionism are really colorful, which appeals. I also like classical “still life” featuring flowers or fruit. For more spiritual scenes, I turn to the German Romantic, Caspar David Friedrich.
Warning: This poem has a dark theme.
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ON EDGE
Let’s celebrate the rare joy of the glowing sun
Turning the pure white rocks to shimmering gold
But see how jagged they are, like tearing teeth
And draw back – there’s no need to be bold.
I could choose dozens of words for this view that I cherish
And none would say enough about its magic
I am here every day to watch its changing moods
Invigorating, terrifying and tragic.
How blissfully green leaves wave above us
But look how the trunks cling desperately
Their anxious roots are clawing deep
Tensing away from the drop into the sea.
Are you hoping to spot an eagle, my love?
Where the mists merge the blue sky with the blue sea
Where the jagged pinnacles stab like daggers
Where tiny white sails bob and toss jauntily.
Why relish that waving tuft of grass, my friend?
Your hat could be blown, your stick could roll
Stay safe where the forest grass is lush
Where the path is firm and the trees are whole.
A gentle breeze soon whips into a gale, brother.
The ground beneath you is soft – it could crumble
That stump you lean on could shift and tip
Could you hold your balance or would you tumble?
Stay away from the edge, dear friends!
There is peril in a stunning view
Don’t reach and strain for its warm embrace
Don’t imagine that it is just for you.
I once gazed as you gazed
Beckoned by the gold and the blue
Drunk on the nectar that poured into my eyes
Until I fell into that glorious view.
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Photo: Kreidefelsen auf Rügen, in the book Caspar David Friedrich by Willi Geismeier
