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Open Poetry #33
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coyote
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077


0 posted 2004-10-01 01:40 AM


Upon Viewing “The Birth of Venus”
by Alexandre Cabanel

In the nude pageantry of Greece
while cherubim her birth decree
on tangled hair of golden fleece
a goddess lies upon the sea

Her form is classic and demure
skin smooth in alabaster white
a virgin Aphrodite pure
whose countenance portends delight

Why doth such beauty brushed of lust
extend beyond the canvas paints
to shatter heaven’s sacred trust
and break men free of their restraints?

Oh, that my flesh could hold her fire
until she whispers forth my name
and never quenching her desire
consumes me wholly in the flame

Before the universe was turned
men’s souls were hers to have and hold
like ten thousand cities burned  
the stars proclaimed
what gods extolled



© Copyright 2004 coyote - All Rights Reserved
Pilgrimage
Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945
Texas, USA
1 posted 2004-10-01 01:02 PM


Now that's a lovely concept.

Nan (Pilgrim variety)

Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
2 posted 2004-10-01 04:11 PM


Now this gives explanation to why Venus is held so dear and why so many love songs, poems, etc ... use her in their verse.  Lovely are the images and the whole piece as a charm behind it that is fitting Venus herself.  Very much enjoyed.
coyote
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077

3 posted 2004-10-01 05:57 PM


Thank you so much for your reply, Pilgrimage.

I truly appreciate it.

coyote

coyote
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077

4 posted 2004-10-01 06:01 PM


Thank You for reading, Mark.

The concept of "Goddess of Love" has always been intriguing, and I felt Cabanel has captured her essence so well.

coyote

Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
5 posted 2004-10-01 07:24 PM


BRAVO!

"Why doth such beauty brushed of lust
extend beyond the canvas paints
to shatter heaven’s sacred trust
and break men free of their restraints?"


Why, indeed? The beauty of art, and the art of beauty...are extremely powerful, as this write conveys so nicely.

coyote
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077

6 posted 2004-10-01 08:41 PM


Thank You for reading and replying so kindly, Midnitesun.

Your comments are most appreciated.

coyote


Ivy Rose
Senior Member
since 2001-12-29
Posts 1300
MA, USA
7 posted 2004-10-01 10:43 PM


I love the classic form of this and I love the passion in it. Very beautiful retelling of a clasic Greek myth. Great poetics!!!!
coyote
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077

8 posted 2004-10-01 11:19 PM


Thank You so much for reading and for such a nice reply, Ivy Rose.

coyote

Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

9 posted 2004-10-02 02:42 AM


Sighhh, absolutely beautiful Billy. Love the form, the flow and the imagery.

it's a

I have missed reading you. Nice to see you here m'friend and how's Ian? Give him a kiss for me?

Maree

Well I see you doing, What I try to do for me, With the words from a poet, And a voice from a choir, And a melody, nothing else matters. ~Stevie Nicks

coyote
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077

10 posted 2004-10-02 09:21 AM


Hi Maree,

I missed you too.

Ian is 27 months old now and talking up a storm. I'll send ya a recent pic.

Thanks for the read and kind reply, m'friend.

Billy 8)

Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

11 posted 2004-10-02 04:40 PM


I'd love that Billy... thanks

Well I see you doing, What I try to do for me, With the words from a poet, And a voice from a choir, And a melody, nothing else matters. ~Stevie Nicks

coyote
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077

12 posted 2004-10-02 08:02 PM


Thy every wish is my command, m'lady.

coyotyl


Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
13 posted 2004-10-02 08:12 PM


Oh ... Venus inspired you beautifully!

Love, Margherita

coyote
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077

14 posted 2004-10-02 08:34 PM


Thank You, Margherita.

I think I drink you occaisionally.

Thanks for the sweet reply, m'lady.

Your read and reply are appreciated.

coyotyl

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