Thursday, July 19, 2007

Blue Willow Porcelain: Revision

I posted an earlier version of this here.

Blue willows frame a tiny china world
of peonies, a bridge, a small pagoda
where she stands waiting, captive China Girl
with face averted, sadly slumping shoulders.
An ancient carp bears witness to her sorrow,
a distant island promises her love
will come, and they’ll escape to some tomorrow
symbolized by mated birds above.
We know the story ends in fiery drama—
fleeing lovers, bridegroom in pursuit—
but here upon this plate, the scene is calmer,
sadder, waiting under unripe fruit
for things to change, for love to come again
not knowing time won’t pass in porcelain.

24 comments:

Gattina said...

That's quite sad !

maryt/theteach said...

Marvelously poetic: "time won't pass in porcelain." Alliterative and sad! Beautiful job, Tiel! Happy MM!

Sandee said...

It is indeed sad and beautiful at the same time. Have a great MM. :)

Unknown said...

Come on over and check out my blue skies! Nice Monday BLUE!

Helen said...

This is lovely ......

Catalyst said...

Ah yes, "time won't pass in porcelain." Nicely put.

Chhaya said...

such a beautiful way to capture the beauty in the turmoil... the snapshot of happiness amidst a storm...

Steve Capelin said...

I really like this. It flows so nicely and captures the heart of the story so simply. well done.

Tess Kincaid said...

A lovely telling of the tale. I especially like "time won’t pass in porcelain". Nice.

Unknown said...

Wonderful.

~T~ said...

This English sonnet, set in China, is full of aware, chief virtue of Japanese poetry. Beautiful!

Yemalla said...

Beautifully written.

Brian Miller said...

time wont pass in porcelin...what sweet sorrow you have woven here..an excellent magpie.

Lynn ... said...

This was so beautifully visual, yet sad in a way. I love referring back to the plate to see what inspired "this line" or "that one".

Lovely!

christine said...

I loved your interpretation of the story being calm on the plate which is was.
Christine

Lisa said...

a truly sad tale, but a beautiful written piece!

Suz said...

Oh my I sighed as you lit it up coming home
very nice indeed

joanna said...

Beautifully told -- love your version of the Blue Willow,
Joanny

Tumblewords: said...

Nice rendition of the legend. Always, a great post.

Lyn said...

Very poignant and lovely..thank you..

Aoife.Troxel said...

Wistful and beautiful. Great job.

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

words of wisdom,
your tale is full of fun!

Angie Muresan said...

Sad, but oh, so lovely.

www.angiemuresan.com

Anonymous said...

'waiting under unripe fruit,' I love this line, it means so many things. very poetic.