Waiting Time

Ekphrastic Poetry Event
This Sunday, 2:00pm at Boom Gallery

As a member of Geelong Writers, I was invited to join the group for an afternoon of ekphrastic poetry at Boom Gallery. Writers were encouraged to write a poetic response to one or more of the art works of Graeme Altman, Nick Dridan and Meredith Earlson on show at Boom’s Sept-Oct art exhibition.  We had an hour or so to view the works and draft some responses. We were also invited to continue working on our pieces at Neighbour cafe at the conclusion of the event. The featured image above, is a painting by Graeme Altman, titled ‘Waiting’, the one that I chose to write a piece of poetry about. Below is my first ever ekphrastic response to a piece of artwork. I wonder if Graeme Altman approves of my interpretation of his spectacular painting.

Waiting Time

 

I’m a time-traveler on a mission

Waiting for a personal vision

An image of my father’s ghost

To appear above the white-water coast

 

Millenniums ago, I delivered him to the ocean

Threw his ashes across the horizon

Away from faceless time-clocks

Away from hidden jagged rocks

 

Now I see him proudly standing afloat

Wondering who’s left to row the boat

Waiting for the breeze, without a sail

Seeking his passage through soundless hail

Beyond tumbling waves, a prism of light

Waiting stops, his alien spirit soars  tonight

 

Ivor Steven (c)  2018