ABOUT THE POETRY PAINTING PROJECT
We selected 30 poems (from the public domain) and each day for the next 30 days I will write a poem inspired by it, and Addie will paint a painting.
So, without further ado, let’s get to today’s painting and poem, inspired by Charles Baudelaire’s poem, The Owls.
To read this poem, click here (or scroll down near the bottom of the page)
ADDIE’S PAINTING
MY POEM
THE QUIET HOUR
This is the quiet hour,
when the moon casts
all that’s seemingly manifest,
into doubt and shadows.
This is the quiet hour,
when all the world sleeps,
except for the horned owl
perched upon a pine tree.
Be still, my friend.
Be fearless and listen.
This is the late, breathless hour
when the storm breaks,
the world stops spinning,
and the moon freezes,
turning the river into glass,
over which you bend
to gaze at your reflection.
Be still, my friend,
be fearless.
Confront yourself,
and wrestle with
who
you
are.
The great horned owl
doesn’t ask a question.
It asks you to question.
OUR INSPIRATION
THE OWLS
by Charles Baudelaire
‘Neath their black yews in solemn state
The owls are sitting in a row
Like foreign gods; and even so
Blink their red eyes; they meditate.
Quite motionless they hold them thus
Until at last the day is done,
And, driving down the slanting sun,
The sad night is victorious.
They teach the wise who gives them ear
That in this world he most should fear
All things which loud or restless be.
Who, dazzled by a passing shade,
Follows it, never will be free
Till the dread penalty be paid.
Notes:
Charles Baudelaire, 1821-1867. Born in Paris, France.
See French Symbolism and the Decadent Movement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decadent_movement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbolism_(arts)
Link to Biography: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/charles-baudelaire
Link to Poem: https://fleursdumal.org/poem/156
ABOUT THE POETRY PAINTING PROJECT
For the past couple of months I have been working on a huge new secret project with my painter, Addie Hirshten, of Studio Alchemy
We selected 30 poems (from the public domain) and each day for the next 30 days I will write a poem inspired by it, and Addie will paint a painting.
Expect an outpouring of creative energy! This is the sort of big project that artists live for … where we can say what we yearn to say. Big picture stuff. Heart wrenching stuff. I feel so inspired by the poetry we are working with AND seeing Addie’s process as well. Expect daily surprises with our posts. Expect passion. Expect love. Expect life.
Check Out Addie’s Instagram Account: www.instagram.com/alchemy.of.art.addie.hirschten/
Check out Addie’s art studio — Studio Alchemy:
studioalchemy.art/
Creativity is contagious, pass it on.
Albert Einstein
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