The Art of Art

Cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Sat, 20 Aug 2011
  • 3208 reads
15 comments
 

At school
they made us
paint a picture
of a tree...one
in our road...
in our garden...
in the park.

“Get real close,”
Miss said...
“Just inches
from its bark;
feel it – touch it...
become that tree
through art.”

As I recall,
I was uninspired...
People stared
like I was crazy,
and a bird
left its ‘calling card’
on my head.

What was the point?
A tree, is a tree,
is a frigging tree!

In shadow-lands
of now...
fifty years on
I stand beneath
that tree...
its green,
wet smell.

Sense the contours
of its bark;
its gnarled,
arthritic branches
like question marks.
Only now –
my answer.

Certificate U
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Spiritual

Comments

Submitted by Highhat on
Lovely picture. Must have been an inspiring teacher! I agree a tree is not just a tree. There are so many thousands of different trees and types of bark and leaves. Oh dear what do I know- but I think you know what I mean? Thank you for a very enjoyable read Tina- really conjures up a lot of atmosphere and appreciation of nature- as usual in your glimpses of nature- ;)Pia

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
I know exactly what you mean, Pia;-) You do have a delightful way of explaining things, always. Pleased you enjoyed, and 'nature' is sure looking beautiful in the sunshine this morning. Tina;-)

 

Submitted by shoe on
I wonder at what point this learning comes? A simply wonderful, beautiful poem as befits trees.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
That is a very good question, shoe. I always remember my younger daughter had no interest in plants, trees, etc...until much later - with a family and a home of her own. Now, she can't get enough of them. Pleased you liked this, and I hope you have a sunny Saturday;-) Tina

 

Submitted by seashore on
An art teacher with vision.....a rare breed. Inspirational - poem and teacher, Tina.

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
A rare breed, indeed. Thanks for your lovely comment, Coral. Have a good weekend;-) Tina

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
"its gnarled, arthritic branches like question marks." - love, love, LOVE these lines, Tina! A truly beautiful piece. Well done on the cherries :) Magic xxx

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Well hello there, Magic;-) Hope life's treating you well, and it's so good to hear from you. Thanks so much for the lovely comment, and I'm really pleased it caught your eye;-) Tina xxx

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Hello Tina, I think that the teacher you had, was such an insperation. Somehow I'm sure that what she taught you, made a lasting impression, for you to have written such a beautiful poem. Thankyou for a read on two subjects very close to my heart, trees and painting. Have a peaceful, sunny weekend. Jenny.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
You're welcome, Jenny;-) I've just now come in from the garden to see how our few fruit trees are doing. We had loads of Mirabelles this year (tiny, yellow plums) and so far just a few cooking apples. The trees have struggled this year with the lack of rain, but they've picked up a bit lately. So pleased you enjoyed this Jenny, and I think trees are what I have painted more than anything else. They are so inspiring and look so different in the changing seasons. Tina

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Richard - thanks, so much;-) Really pleased you got so much from this. Tina

 

Submitted by threeleafshamrock on
'Youth is wasted on the young.' Funny how appreciation grows with age/experience(s). Love this Tina and can identify perfectly but luckily, even the young(er) can appreciate this lovely piece and who knows, maybe even learn ;) Superb and as usual, hits the nail squarely on the head! Chris ;)

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Hi there, Chris;-) Good to hear from you, and that I managed to 'hit the nail on the head' for you;-) Have a good week. Tina

 

Submitted by barryj1 on
What is the sound of one hand clapping? A poem with a subtle, Zen-like quality. You created a 'koan' of your own choosing. Nice poem. Evern nicer imagery, especially the way you challenge your reader to travel beyond the black on white.

barryj1

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Ha, ha!! Always did like a 'riddle without any solution...barry;-) I guess it appeals to my rather contrary nature...hence this poem, I suspect, and I know my long-suffering partner would agree;-) Many thanks. Tina