~
dear
Agnew
a cool grace
plus inner strength
no pushover here
daring them to challenge
a display of fortitude
questions victorian mores
confronting men with quiet resolve
a feminist before there was a name
~
This week I was inspired by the painting of Lady Agnew and Diana’s wonderful example of a stacked etheree; Never Prim. I wrote a single etheree for Coleen Cheeseboro’s weekly poetry challenge. An etheree poem consists of 10 lines of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 syllables.
The prompt is to write an Ekphrastic poem, which is poetry written in response to art or an image. The painting of Lady Agnew by John Singer Sargent radiates a strong persona to me so it was an easy challenge. Lady Agnew can be my muse anytime!
#TankaTuesday #Ekphrastic #Poetry Challenge No. 308
writing to freedom 
Such a strikingly beautiful portrait…one that your words give great justice to. Thank you:)XX
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Agreed Janet. It’s a beautiful portrait that made the prompt fun.
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Love it Brad! An empowering portrait and reflection of feminine strength. I’m glad she inspired you. The painting and your words are a lovely pairing!
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Thanks Tania! It’s a beautiful portrait that made it easy to be inspired.
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That’s great, Brad. Not easy to come up with the right words, right number of syllables, and make it sound so beautiful.
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I’m glad you think I accomplished all that Anneli! Thank you.
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You did. Well done.
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A great poem, Brad. This picture has evoked some wonderful poetry.
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Yes it sure has Robbie!
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This is stunning Brad! I’ve added your link to my post. The challenge runs from Tuesday through Monday. Here’s the new challenge for this week: https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2023/02/28/tankatuesday-thespiceoflife-poetry-challenge-no-309-2-28-23/
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Thank you for including me Colleen. I join for the fun and am often late!
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I know how that is. I work too, so it’s always hard to find time to fit everything in. 🤦🏼♀️
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Yes, and I only post once a week, so I mix challenges in occasionally. Thank you for inspiring and supporting more poetry in our community. 🙏
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You’re welcome. You just hop onto the challenge when you can. You’re always welcome.
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Thank you.
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What an extraordinary portrait + a terrific poem to accompany it. I want to look at it and read your poem over and over again.
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How kind Will. I hope they inspire you for something in your life. 💕
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Awesome work Brad! The picture and your words are “stunning”!! Take Care!!
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Wow! Thanks for the high praise Kirt! 🙏
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Beautiful
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Thank you.
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Fabulous, Brad. I just adore that last line and how it sums up your poem and the painting. I’m so glad you were inspired, and I hope you take up more of Colleen’s ekphrastic poem challenges. It’s great fun to look at artwork in a new way. Bravo!
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Thank you Diana. It’s a beautiful image to nudge my muse. Much of my poetry is ekphrastic with either other people’s images or my photos. Whatever stirs my muse!😊
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That’s true. I like visual prompts too. 🙂
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Gorgeous painting! One of his I’ve never seen before. I can see why it inspired you to write. I think you captured her spirit beautifully.
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Thank you Deborah. This portrait is beautiful. I might explore more of his painting..
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Beautiful! And such a cool poetry form
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Thank you!
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An excellent depiction of that painting with your poetry Brad… Those eyes see right to the core. .. Lol… 🙂 ❤
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Agreed Sue. Her eyes are intense!
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Very much so Brad.
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Your lines capture her essence quite suitably. Well done, Brad!
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Thank you Michele!
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😊
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I love the dress they used to wear Brad! I’m all for dressing up in all our glory! Beautiful poem too, you are truly talented! Much love x
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Agreed Barbara. It’s a beautiful dress and portrait and dressing up is fun and classy!
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What a great poem, Brad! You captured her well. 🙂
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com/2023/02/tankatuesday-weekly-poetry-challenge_22.html
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Hi Yvette. Thank you and welcome. So did you in your poem. 😊
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Thank you, Brad! 🙂
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Oh this is so well done Brad. I love your portrayal is so perfect for this picture. I totally get that here! 💗
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Thank you Cindy. I’m glad you enjoyed my poem.
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you’re so welcome Brad!
I loved it! ❣️
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Its a beautiful and inspiring poem. I love the way you captured Lady Agnew’s strength and fortitude in your etheree poem. It’s amazing how she defied Victorian mores and challenged men with her quiet resolve, paving the way for feminists before the term was even coined.
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Thank you Ritish. I don’t know if she did any of these things. I’m simply created a poem to match how her portrait struck me.
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This post both educates AND uplifts! I had no idea what an Ekphrastic poem was until I read your poem. The best part is that it underscores how inspiration is everywhere. Personally, I have to contain myself sometimes because so much inspires my creativity in this world. And if I didn’t have a 9-5 job as a professor, I would find myself at the foot of paintings and sculptures everywhere sketching out what I see. 🙏☀️ Thank you Brad. I love what you see in Lady Agnew. It’s what all of us see in YOU #innerstrength #resolve and bravery.
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Thanks Andrea. I’m grateful my post inspires you. I hope you get to spend lots of time sketching your inspiration. ☀️
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I love the journey this narrative takes me on, especially through the power I felt in the final lines! 🙂
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That is wonderful Layla. I’m glad the poem resonated with you. 😊
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A lovely combination,beautiful poetry for the lovely lady!
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Thank you Holly. 😊
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Truly lovely 😊
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This was such a beautiful poem. The vivid way this is written is so fascinating. Loved and enjoyed it! ✨
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Thank you Jan and welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem.
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Well done Brad!
It sounds like a difficult poem to do, and you did it beautifully!
Blessings!
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Thank you Ana. 🙏
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You are very perceptive! Your description adds a lot to the story of the painting. Don’t let the pretty dress fool you. A woman can be beautiful and intelligent.
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Indeed. The best combination.
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Your words do resonate with the photo.
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Thank you Donna. I’m glad you enjoyed my response to this beautiful painting.
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What a creative way to begin Women’s History Month 😉 This type of poem is quite interesting. Was it difficult to create? I only ask because I sat here for a moment attempting to put one together and found that it’s not that easy.
(Ignore my arrogance in thinking I can pen a poem in two minutes lol)
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Thanks Kathy. Sometimes the poems flow effortlessly and other times I hack them out a few words at a time! 😊
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