Art & poetry collaboration

Poet Lorna Simes new poem "Dare She?" was inspired this painting, "Hearts Rising", by Natalie Eve Marquis.

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 Poet 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.