A Collaboration of Painting & Poetry

Poet Lorna Simes purchased and wrote a poem inspired by my painting Hearts Rising as part of the Image & Imagination exhibit. The ekphrastic exhibit, a collaborative art & poetry show with 12 area poets inspired by 13 artists runs through October 8, 2022 at Art Up Front Street. It was an honor to have one of my paintings selected and I was completely blown away by the gorgeousness of the poem Lorna wrote. “Dare She” is a lyrical, evocative and inspired poem. And if I’m honest, I feel like she somehow glimpsed inside my soul. With Lorna’s permission, I am proud to share it with you here:

Dare she?

by Lorna Simes

Under branches of smoke
licked by a fire sky
A woman stands waiting.
Alone.

A drift of swifts
swirls leaves of wisdom
from the tree of words
Dare she read?

As the leaves fall
earth whispers stories
only souls can hear
Dare she listen?

A secret incantation
teaching, healing, holding
Dare she sing?

Her heart has been broken
but not like the morning
Dare she hope?

She holds the optimistic sun,
talisman against all doubt
Dare she shine?

Oh , yes.

She dares.