Before a Painting
James Weldon Johnson
I knew not who had wrought with skill so fine
What I beheld; nor by what laws of art
He had created life and love and heart
On canvas, from mere color, curve and line.
Silent I stood and made no move or sign;
Not with the crowd, but reverently apart;
Nor felt the power my rooted limbs to start,
But mutely gazed upon that face divine.
And over me the sense of beauty fell,
As music over a raptured listener to
The deep-voiced organ breathing out a hymn;
Or as on one who kneels, his beads to tell,
There falls the aureate glory filtered through
The windows in some old cathedral dim.
(This poem is in the public domain.)
~~~~~
The roundup this week is at Check It Out.
Just beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI love the comparisons, Karen. Thanks for a beautiful poem.
ReplyDeleteLovely, as life is, thanks Karen.
ReplyDeleteCan’t you just see yourself standing before a painting. How beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking how nice it would be to take a ride into one of the NYC museums to soak up the art. Thanks for sharing this poem.
ReplyDeleteStunning! I'm adding "aureate" to my notebook. What a gorgeous word that is and it's perfect in Johnson's poem. Your post lead me down a rabbit hole. I googled Johnson and discovered he was killed when his car was hit by a train in Wiscasset, ME, a place I've spent a great deal of time in. Many thanks for sharing this poem, Karen.
ReplyDeleteI could picture myself marveling at the masterpiece! Thanks for sharing this thoughtful piece!
ReplyDeleteKaren, so glorious to read this from James Weldon Johnson. Like Christie, I have an immediate connection as I am researching this giant of a figure who was exemplary in so many fields & just this past week, I read how he & his brother were close & worked together on creative projects, often. I think Bryan Collier illustrated a picture book about JWJ. Am on the lookout for more resources connections, if you come across any interviews or blog . . . I also would be fascinated to know which work of art inspired this poem. I send so many appreciations for your sharing & for your blog. Brava!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to the glory and power of art.
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