#Ekphrastic Challenge #Poetry

Published on by balroop2013
Title: Russian Dancers
Artist: Edgar Degas (French, Paris 1834–1917 Paris)
Date: 1899 via https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/459097

Dissonance 

Dance is not just an art that enriches us emotionally, it conceals innumerable tales of time, of war devils who create their own tunes, of autocrats who gloat over their arrogance, of the mighty who forget that their power is illusionary, their greed perishable and their days limited. They all fall facedown, empty handed they leave; even misery scoffs at them but their lies live. Rivulets of hope flow in those hearts who know war bugles fail to halt spring.

“dance,” says the despot 
and the whip twirls around them 
innocent blood drips 
smoke sheathes their weary eyes
annihilated by whims
© Balroop Singh

Inspired from Colleen’s Ekphrastic #photoprompt. I followed her advice, “Remember, we can see what’s in the image, so write your poem using the image as an inspiration. Don’t just describe what you see in the image. Think about metaphor and allegory.”

This week, I chose tanka prose. There are two basic forms in classic tanka prose: Preface (explanation) and the Poem Tale (episodic narration.) 

For more poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Have you checked my latest release? – Slivers: Chiseled Poetry

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37 thoughts on “#Ekphrastic Challenge #Poetry”

  1. A strong and powerful message, Balroop, very sobering.
    I love the glimpse of light in this line: “Rivulets of hope flow in those hearts who know war bugles fail to halt spring.”
    There will always be rivulets of hope and more in freedom-loving people. ❤️

  3. Wow! This is perfection, Balroop! Russian Dancers…how timely. Dancers are concealing war devils. YES, that’s exactly what is happening. LOVED your interpretation. The preface was so beautifully written as well. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous poetry.

    1. All credit goes to the challenge that Colleen had put across… to see beyond the Russian dancers and what else would come to the mind than delish designs of despots! Thank you Lisa for saying such beautiful words about my poetry. 🥰🤗

  9. This was powerful, Balroop. The truth about the whim is the sadest part of it.

  11. Amazing poem, and a side of dancing I hadn’t considered. I used to dance professionally and always, it carried me to a different world, an escape. Kind of like writing now does!

    1. Thank you Colleen, 😊 You inspired all those themes and my thoughts flew. Love and hugs for being an excellent inspirational mentor.

    1. Thank you Diana, I am glad my words are bringing out what believers of peace feel. It is a shame that some people never learn from history.

  14. Pingback: #TankaTuesday #Poetry Stars No. 265 | #Ekphrastic #PhotoPrompt – Word Craft: Prose & Poetry

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