Sighted in this soot – a gracious swan
who kissed the surface of my dream.
It sang in deepest longing for its kind
of black and white who don’t connect.
And then nocturnal darkness fell upon
the lonely wolf moon’s diamond eyes.
Forever parted from the sun it wailed
like fighting brothers who won’t meet.
Hilma von Klint The Swan (No. 17)
This is a 55 word flash for the prompt at toads. A few words about the art, it is painted in 1914 by Hilma af Klint, who for many years have been quite unknown. Her ideas in abstract painting was a lot before her time, just check her out.
Linked to Real Toads and Poetry Pantry
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December 6, 2014
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Beautifully interpreted ekphrasis with very deep contemplation and voice. This is a really special piece Björn – I compliment you highly.
Thank you Mike..
Oh, this is lovely and I enjoy the tone of fable that it carries. Excellent, Bjorn!
The loneliness is palpable here, Bjorn, and I can feel the longing….. That really is a fascinating painting.
The painting made me think of Narcissus, and the idea of the impossible kiss. Your poem is another take on that impossible kiss I guess. Great 55! The idea of the ‘brothers who won’t meet’ is very powerful.
Gorgeous. It feels like an intimate Frost poem and a fairy tale. Beautiful longing anchored in here, with glimpses of hope, uplifting. Cheers!
This is beautiful. Words every bit as moving as the image. I love “lonely wolf moon’s diamond eyes” and the final line….sigh.
So much here. A nod to fairy tales intertwined with current events in my mind’s eye. The first two lines are just gorgeous as is the whole poem.
You caught that “so close, so far” feeling so well.
Bjorn, A magical piece with art to match, Well written. — Suzanne
I, too, felt the sorrow and the longing. I never thought of the sun and moon in this way before. Pretty cool, though sad, to do so.
The sadness touches the heart
so poignant. the last part was heartbreaking.
the painting is also very intriguing.
sadness forever flowing between.
Not unnaturally the black swan is native to Australia and diametrically opposite to the white swans in northern Europe. The early colonists brought some white swans with them but I don’t think the black ones were amused! Hilma af Klint’s work is much more picturesque than other surrealists painters. I am glad you featured her. Your poem too was a treat to read.
It’s a great painting well balanced. Wonderful 55 Bjorn!
Hank
that is an interesting pic – and you translate the feel of it beautifully into your words…
A beautiful piece of art to contemplate…I loved your interpretation
It sang in deepest longing for its kind
of black and white who don’t connect.
Powerful words and it brought poignant thoughts!
fascinating pic and I enjoyed your interpretation of the poem. I especially liked “wolf moon’s diamond eyes”.
‘fighting brothers who won’t meet’ ~still wish they will….~ will read more about this beautiful picture. ~ ‘ a gracious swan
who kissed the surface of my dream.’ ~ love the feel of this image. x
Klint had some deep symbolism in her work. And I like how your wolf echoes that Bjorn in this poem.
To portray sun and moon who can never meet with these graceful swans is lovely.
I have heard of her and will look her up more. Thanks, Bjorn, for your take on the painting–or is it a print? It is beautiful. k.
I think it is a painting.. I have a feeling that she might be one of those artists where interest will just grow.
very nice, “kissed the surface of my dream.” excellent
Incredibly beautiful, Bjorn….I love the swan kissing the surface of your dream, and the wolf moon’s eyes. Just beautiful imagery.
What an amazing piece this is, Bjorn. Not a word wasted and every line perfectly constructed – like the work of art it mirrors.
This is so dreamy, hypnotic and beautiful. Amazing that you can condense so much in so few words. I do like the photo very much too.
Oh dear this is such beautiful piece, however best those 2 brothers keep their distance
Thank you for dropping in at The Sunday Lime
Much love…
‘a gracious swan who kissed the surface of my dream’ I really love this line, Bjorn. Your writing is brilliant!
like fighting brothers who won’t meet. that is a long suffering.
POW! Such powerlessness in face of reality. Each word a pull toward, a push away. Great painting!
excellent! powerful imagery in those words. loved the compact structure of the poem.
the picture is very intriguing. reminds me of yin and yang. 🙂
I can only echo much of what has already been said. Beautiful haunting poem and excellent interpretation of that wonderful painting.
Elizabeth
http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/
Bjorn, did you watch the movie, Black Swan? your artwork kind of reminded me of that movie…your poem breathes a tender breeze of meaning into my mind just like a swan would. 🙂
“Like fighting brothers who won’t meet” like this poem.
I love swans . . . having shared a profound and transcendent “dreamlike” moment of accord with two swans late one soulful evening years ago. I shall never forget it. Glorious birds. And thus, the line: “a gracious swan who kissed the surface of my dream” – achingly beautiful.
A poignant write Bjorn.
So beautiful… The words and painting merge into one!
Great pic…Very touching poem..
soulfully I stare at nothing