By Louise Kantro
Modesto Branch
Do you mind pulling over here? Sally asks.
In a flash, the camera appears in her hand.
I love this old house. And the light … the light!
No painter myself, I cannot quite name
the colors for the yellowish-brown mid-afternoon sun,
the shafts of gray that shadow the corners and curves.
I keep half an eye on the country road
while she moves to get different angles.
Since there’s no formal pull-over spot
I’m worried someone might sideswipe my car.
She doesn’t take long. A few ah’s,
a few snaps, and we are on our way.
I think: Why don’t I notice the light more?
Then: Light is to Sally what words are to me.
At some future point, this very color, the contours
of the shadings, will show up in one of Sally’s paintings.
And Sally’s joy will light upon a poem.
Sally’s joy shines through in your poem! I love the way you’ve captured the light in words that describe her photograph.
This poem seems to focus on the light we share–the literary artist and the visual artist, and on the joy of appreciating our Pen Women sisters’ creations.
It inspires us to collaborate.
Claire Massey
NLAPW Poetry Editor
Great imagery! I like the “story” of the poem.
This was so lovely and inspired me as an artist to write some poetry. I start my mornings painting. Next I will start with some writing. Thank you for sharing.
So simple but so beautiful. The artist and the poet
together on a beautiful day. Both will enrich their lives from taking a moment to catch the light.
Linda Hortick
Greenwich Pen Women
I like the poem’s movement into realization, well done!
Love the freshness of this creation!. Sally’s joy did light upon Kantro’s poem!