Proud At Prouts Neck…
(From Winslow Homer’s 1883 painting of Prouts Neck, Maine…)
A stormy sky, charcoal grey, swirling and thunderous
Threatens two fishing vessels agitated upon a fitful,
Restless high tide, their crews buffeted by a merciless
Gale, huddling through the unforgiving squall, wildly callous.
A sturdy woman defies the affray, lingering and courageous,
Upon dull, damp, dun rocks, a figurehead, a vengeful
Siren, a proud fisherwoman, under no perceived stress,
Oblivious to the chaos, undeterred, rebellious.
A boat’s sail bulges as the wind blusters in the rising tide,
Forcing her apron to lift and curl away from her long, heavy skirt;
Industrial footwear anchors her, confident, proud and pert,
An icon, awaiting the catch, her stance steady and astride.
She clutches an empty basket, pale shirt sleeves rolled
High upon strong, working arms and her long hair at the neck is neatly tied;
But her red scarf, incongruous in the almost sepia deluge, cold
And forbidding, is striking, whilst her pose seems strangely sanctified…
Pete Ray
5th February 2025…
Really like the strength surrounding the powerful image of the woman on the rocks.
Her hair, her red scarf, the wind-blown apron and her immense durability are spectacular.
The storm seems even more evil in contrast…
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.