So I was in my advisor’s office this morning, and I saw this painting, a Dali, called La Muchacha en la Ventana, and immediately, I loved the image. I couldn’t resist the possibilties. This is a quick sketch of this image, but I thought I would share the work-in-progress as it is. I want this painting on my wall at home. 
Happy Poetry Thursday on Friday!
La Ventana
They come, year after year, los gringos
con casas mas grande than
my entire elementary school.
They carry handbags with fancy names
inked in browns and tans or bright, assaulting pastels
on thin bony wrists. They take over
our waters, the calming waves disrupted
by flesh once dimpled, now carved perfectly
smooth, like butter on an antique bagel.
They wear bathing suits, in thin lines across
Their browning skin, silicone
Embraced by rich fabrics, woven by the little
Boy down the street. mama covers
My brother’s eyes, calls the women names
I can’t repeat in English.
It used to be so perfect here.
Now I stare out the window wishing I spoke
Nigerian and could run barefoot in the jungles
Like I used to do on these beaches at home.
7 Comments
March 30, 2007 at 10:39 pm
This seems like no quick sketch, it is really very good. I like the mixture of Spanish and English – each language with its own music. I like the content as well – it raises questions I think most Americans are in denial about or, worse, simply do not care. I’m glad you posted it even if late.
March 31, 2007 at 4:21 am
I think one of my favorite things about your poetry is how stylishly (classily – is that a word?!) you handle the subject of SEX. It’s never awkward in your hands and never lands with a thud on your page. It’s like watching a baker kneading bread – you know the dough belongs in his hands – it moves without him watching it – and you know it’s something he’s done many times. I just love reading your poetry – it never disappoints.
(and thanks for the visit!)
March 31, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Interesting take on a beautiful painting. I don’t normally care for Dali (I like the Surrealists as writers better than visual artists for some reason) but this painting is gorgeous.
I like how differently you saw the painting than I did–and expressed it so well. Expands my view from my window.
April 1, 2007 at 7:19 am
I like this a lot, I like your style of writing and you blend the Spanish and English together so well, which is difficult to do.
April 2, 2007 at 7:14 pm
This was a great piece. Spanish and English combined was so effective in setting the tone.
April 6, 2007 at 5:59 am
Thank you all for stopping by… I am soo thrilled that the Spanish mix worked in the way in which I intended it. I will keep working on this piece and definitely share the updated version.
Is that such a great picture? I still love it.
August 1, 2007 at 6:15 am
I’m in awe!