Blue Sky Ecstasy

                               Maxfield Parrish

BLUE MONDAY

BLUE SKY ECSTASY!

In my heart I already know that this is not great art.

I realise the 'chocolate box' has played a vital part.

Yet something about the pose, the movement and the light

Re-ignites old memories of teenager delight.

I recall being this young, this hopeful and this new.

I recall clouds white as this, and skies such a brilliant blue.

I recall the sun on my face, not burning but caressing;

I recall the whole world poised to bless me with its blessing.

I recall a time long gone when perfection was my goal;

When the world was an enormous stage and I had a special role.

So, if the artist painted  a dream that resonates with me

He has fashioned magic, though 'pretty' it may be.

*

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AUTUMN LONGING

To the tune of 'Autumn Leaves'.

The world is full

Of lovely creatures

Who tease the heart

And thrill the mind.

I feel the pull

Of lovely features,

Though I'm not smart

And Fate's unkind.

But there's one I know

Who's set apart

In this crazy show

She holds my heart,

And I know she'll never even notice

How much I yearn for her love.

*

When I'm so low

And so degraded

Why should she smile

A smile at me?

A brief hallo

That's so soon faded

And, in a while,

Just memory.

Yet she's in my heart

And there she'll stay.

From the very start

I've felt this way.

And I know she'll never even notice

How much I yearn for her love.

*

Her silken dress

Sways with her movement,

Her silken hair

Blows in the breeze.

I'm so much less;

There's no improvement!

I'm in despair

For love's a tease.

For a million years

I know that I

Could cry a million tears

Till eyes were dry!

And I know she'll never even notice

How much I yearn for her love.

*