Three For One

Read More

Here’s a poem I wrote recently as part of a competition on the theme “Making pictures”.

For those of you not in the know, a Triptych is a set of three pictures, each related to a similar subject (e.g. Frederick McCubbin’s “The Pioneer”). So in this poem, I tried to create a set of three pictures, all with similar elements – fire / heat, smoke / smells, wondrous sounds, etc.

Enjoy!

	Triptych
Ancient flames crackle on wizened twigs. I crouch upon the dusty cavern floor. Wisps of sacred smoke caress my hair While I make pictures on the rocky wall.  Dark stick-men chase herds of totem beasts. My ochred fingers craft a timeless scene. I dream of victory in tomorrow’s hunt As Tribal voices chant the mystical songs. Watcher from a future day, I am like you. I live and love. I laugh and dance. I weep and wonder in the dawn of time.	Holy candles flicker on the altar. I stretch beneath the vaulted chapel ceiling. Pungent incense wafts through hallowed halls While I make pictures on the plaster wall.  Angels and patriarchs pause in pious pose. My paint-stained fingers deftly dab and brush. I dream of eternity and creation’s span As choral voices echo from the walls. Watcher from a future day, I am like you. I gasp in awe. I gaze at stars. I long for answers to eternal questions.	Brilliant sunlight pierces through the clouds. I stand atop a mountain’s forest glade. Eucalypt and wattle tinge the air While I make pictures through my camera lens.  Exhilarated hikers in the frame, My sweaty fingers click and twist the dials. I drink the pristine glory of this place As bird songs warble in the forest air. Watcher from a future day, I am like you. I conquer hills. I walk long paths. I drink the splendour of our world.