Poetry

Peony

A poem

Picture available for distribution at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:P_S_Krøyer_1899_-_Sommeraften_ved_Skagens_strand._Kunstneren_og_hans_hustru.jpg

Her dress ruffles,

a flicker on the horizon,

in subdued, muted hues,

all watered down by waves.

Shoulds and wills line up,

a procession of politeness.

On the surface, soft shades

paint a lovely portrait.

Wading in the lapping cool,

the boat draws her,

but she’s planted on land

at the edge of desire and duty.

She wants

to shine with fish

away from the empty hours

sitting pretty.

A gust, and the dog

takes off after a bird.

She drops her hat and follows,

running in sand.

Her skirts flutter

like the peony bloom,

petals unpeel,

confetti dreams trailing.

Jonny Masters presented the challenge to write a poem inspired by Peter Severin Krøyer’s painting, Summer Evening at Skagen Beach, depicting he and his wife.