Art Inspired Poems

The theme of the field trip yesterday was art and poetry. The docents escorted small groups of the children to different works of art. We would have a brief discussion about how to ‘read’ the art and then the docent would instruct the group to create a poem to describe what we saw in the artwork.

Having studied Art Therapy I have visited many museums, but this was by far the best viewing yet. These young girls had brilliant observations and ideas.

Here is a sample of some of my art inspired poems.

Art Work: Wind, 1961
Artist: Agnes Martin
Poem Style: Personification

I am a line like so many others.
I am a line wanting to curve.
I am a line straight and tall.
I am a line hidden in the wall.


Art Work- Thunderstorm, 1921
Artisit: Arthur G. Dove
Poem Style: Onomatopoeia

Boom
Clap
Zap
Ping
Splat
Crash


Art Work: Pier At Blue Point, 1914 (Oil on Canvas)
Artist: William Glackens
Poem Style: Poem of the Senses

I see the elegant ladies on the pier,
But the aroma of brunch beckons me.
I feel the mist of water on my face,
I taste the salty sea.
I hear the flags flapping in the wind,
My heart yearns to be next to the windmill.


Art Work: End of the Day
Artists: Chihuly
Poem Stlye: Cross Stick

Glimmering tails
Loud colors
Amazing creatures
Sitting
Still


Art Work: Untitled sculpture, 1995
Artist: Janusz Walentynowicz

I wonder why he is
Naked
I wonder why he is
Alone
I wonder why he is
Cold
I wonder why he is
Unknown


Art Work: Nocturnal Navigator, 1998
Artist: Alison Sarr
Poem Style: Pantoun

Lady in blue
With head looking up to the sky
I wonder what you do
Wondering why

With head looking up to the sky
Hands offering help to all
Wondering why
The burden you haul

Hands offering help to all
You guide them with your light
The burden you haul
It’s only known to the night

You guide them with your light
I wonder what you do
It’s only known to the night
Lady in blue