Monday, April 12, 2010

In a Dusty Room

In a dusty room, fingers of sunlight splayed over the floor. There was a ladderback chair in the room where something-like-a-man was sitting. He was naked and his skin seemed colorless and dusty. He seemed very poised, his hands rested on his knees. He gave no indication that he intended to rise when I entered. The odd thing was that his head was giant and misshapen, like a great potato resting on the slender stalk of his neck. I couldn't make out many of his features, but his eyes, which were wide set apart, appeared to gaze ahead in a steady, focused manner. There was no pain, no suffering, no reproach, and no shame in his eyes. Occasionally he would blink. He was communicating something to me in a fashion I had never before experienced. I looked around the room and found a corn broom. I began to sweep. Though nothing changed outwardly, I felt my activity was somehow pleasing and placating the man in some important way I couldn't fathom. I don't know if I can ever stop, now.

Van Gogh Peasant Woman Sweeping.

8 comments:

Kass said...

Wow, is that what you see in that painting? That last line really grabs.

Unknown said...

your words...very dream like...a story well done but with layers to be savored.

Viki said...

Very intriguing. Makes me wonder who the man was and what became of the peasant woman.

Tina said...

Inspiring. I'm looking for prompts, and I think I'll go looking for art to write about. Thanks, My Good Babushka.

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

I have the same question as Kass, and your words really grab me and make me wonder what happens next.

Mike said...

Very creative! I was wondering where you were going with that!?

mrs. c said...

Your words are so powerful. I don't even have to look at the painting because I can "see" what you are describing. Great use of words!

lissa said...

intriguing words to go with the equally intriguing painting

ps, I meant to tell you this earlier, I sent the brooch/mini painting to my friend and she loved it - here's a post she has written about it

http://blogjem.com/2010/03/26/my-fabulous-hand-painted-brooch/