Comment from Margaret Snowdon

Excellent

Some of these are so sad,
Brooke - poor girl, I can
just visulise her sorrowful
face - your words painting
a vivid picture.

A pleasure to review,
Margaret.

 Comment Written 10-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 10-Jan-2009

Margaret, thank you yet again - you are such a good friend to go back and read all of these, Brooke

Comment from shy1250

Excellent

Will have to google said painting, but your words paint a picture just as exquisite, I'm sure. Fave line: "No smiles escape her stern, set lips". Am always in awe of those who use few words to impart a detailed sight. No spag or suggestions. later and God bless, shy

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 09-Jan-2009

Shy, thank you so much, Brooke

Comment from justmade

Excellent

I think that is what happens when we don't follow our heart or maybe for some reasons are not allowed to. By your explanation is seems she was forced. Nice description Brooke.
Much love,
Justmade.

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 06-Jan-2009

Justmade -yes, an arranged marriage as was so common in those days- the arrangement, of course, to benefit the parents. Thank you for your thoughtful review, Brooke

Comment from mstad55

Excellent

Miranda is the name of one of the lead characters in one of my all time favorite movies. The character had a bit of a tempest pesonality, I wonder if she was named in the same manor? Getting back to the potrait, sounds to me like one of those arranged affairs. I don't think they ever work out very well. I see writing about her has worked well for you though. I find it interesting that some of the best poems, stories and even song lyrics are about sadness, broken hearts death or dying loved ones. I wonder what that says about society and human nature. I want to look this one up, so I'm off to google. mstad55

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 06-Jan-2009

Have fun googling - she is beautiful even if sad - you're right about so much of great art and literature being about sadness - that is worth a few days' discussion! Thank you, Brooke

Comment from Susan E. Pennycuff

Excellent

you got me on this one because I am not familiar with this particular painting and am going to have to go check it out but the poem makes me want to do it all the more.

very nice job

P.S. - I can't believe I don't know this painting... watch me get there and go... oh crap.. I knew this one... lmbo

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 06-Jan-2009

This painting has been central to my consciousness since I first saw it in its immensity in 1969 - for years I had a huge reproduction in my home until my son got married four years ago and took it with him along with a bunch of my best 60's music cd's too! LOL I'm sure you'll be bowled over even by a picture of it on the net - but remember as you view it that it is 26 feet long!! Thank you, Brooke

Comment from AlvinTEthington

Excellent

I think you have found your niche and a true talent--combining cinquains with paintings. Since I create haiga (haiku embedded in pictures), I can relate to this kind of composite work. You execute the cinquain form perfectly. I am curious--where do you see the turn? At the fourth or fifth line? I think it could be either place. Excellent use of vocabulary ("mien") and alliteration ("mien"/"melancholic") and consonance (the fourth line.)

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 06-Jan-2009

I am with you - the turn could be either place - or both. Thank you for your specific points about craft and your overall compliment, Brooke

Comment from luna

Excellent

You're really getting into these cinquains; are you going to put them into a book? Again great imagery in this one and thanks for the author notes.

Yours,

Luna *smile*

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 06-Jan-2009

Yes, I definitely want to gather them in a book - I'm glad you like the imagery,Brooke Are you back to being Luna? :-)

Comment from Scarlettdreams

Excellent

Wow I think I like the little history lessons in your notes as well as the well worded cinquains. smiles. I shall make that google and see for myself. Bravo

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 06-Jan-2009

I'm so glad you also like the notes -thank you, Brooke

Comment from boberto

Excellent

I have a great book on the old wop with fabuous pictures taken of his paintings. I have this one. Good cinquain, particular with the syllable restrictions. Something like I would do. Take care.

Rob

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 06-Jan-2009

Leonardo as an old wop - oh, I grew up in a blue collar neighborhood where half my neighbors were Italians who went to Visitation BVM, and while my dad was friends with all of them, he still called them wops - you wrote them and I could hear his voice. Thank you for that warm memory first thing in the morning. And for the positive review. I'm usually long-winded, so this form is good to rein me in. Brooke :-)

reply by boberto on 06-Jan-2009

You know I was born and kinda grew up in Little Italy, NYC.

Glad I warmed you up so early in the morning. You may be long-winded with me anytime.

Rob

Comment from Minglement

Excellent

Loved this melancholy poem, based on the painting and the backstory behind it. I'm so glad you shared it in the author's notes. Will check it out. Thanks for shariing.

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 06-Jan-2009

thank you for your kind words, Brooke :-)

reply by Minglement on 06-Jan-2009

Again, you're very welcome. Marcia