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The Yellow Log

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On seeing the painting of Edvard Munch Of the woodland stretching endless One would feel, one has entered a sanctuary, Where stillness prevails and coolness overpowers There is no sound except the sound of rustling leaves. Tall trees touching Heaven’s seams stand proud, Telling how they withstood the harshness of the sun and the hail, And endured the storms and attacks from humans. The trees that figure in his painting are spruces and pines, Growing in neat rows, forming a cool canopy overhead, As if thoughtfully planted by nature’s caring hands. They stand erect in purple trunks and leprous barks. On the ground lies a tree mercilessly cut down, Sadly, exposing its naked death wound to the sun. It sure is a victim of man’s insatiable greed. It is stripped off its bark and the yellow log, Cut into pieces, show it must have been the tallest. Greedy eyes are poised always on the best! Doesn’t the fallen tree speak aloud this grim truth? While all the trees stay tall raising their arms to heavens In boundless gratitude for the fruitful life, they are granted, One lies down on the sod, having met with its untimely end. Thus, life and death are contrasted, one can rightfully assume!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023




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Date: 7/25/2023 10:59:00 AM
Dearest Valsa, congratulations on your win with this stirring poem. "Greedy eyes are always poised on the best!" Your unerring sense of what is poetic irony shines through every word, dear friend. Every time I read one of your poems I know it will strike a deep chord as this poem does. Many years ago I wrote a poem titled "Eulogy" on the same subject. This poem touched my heart in a very special way! Sending you bunches of blessings! Wonderful entry for the contest.
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Date: 7/14/2023 7:37:00 PM
"It sure is a victim of man’s insatiable greed" - You have re-painted the painting in selective words and scenes. Congratulations!
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Date: 7/14/2023 6:16:00 PM
Valsa, this is a very insightful poem. "Greedy eyes are poised always on the best! Doesn't the fallen tree speak aloud this grim truth?" Congratulations on your placement in Dilly Dally's contest.
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Date: 7/4/2023 5:34:00 PM
I agree with your interpretation of what maybe the painter could be saying in his work but also the tree could have fallen in a high wind because it was weak and vulnerable for some reason. I hope the fact that nature could take it out is the reason, but man does cut down his share of trees. Thanks for sharing this one with us and for dropping by my page. Sara
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Date: 6/25/2023 4:11:00 AM
Valsa, your composition exudes a remarkable tapestry of imagery. For its entirety is truly remarkable. The metaphor of the fallen log strikes with such precise accuracy. In all, a remarkable achievement.
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Date: 6/24/2023 5:12:00 PM
beautiful tribute to E. Munch, inspiring
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Date: 6/24/2023 11:52:00 AM
I can picture the scene of the trees here; so heartbreaking...wonderful work!
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Date: 6/24/2023 8:40:00 AM
I think you did fantastic with this challenge. Are you able to put pictures? It would be cool if the picture were showing above this.
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Date: 6/24/2023 6:20:00 AM
Well done, Valsa! The cruelty! Love the imagery and commentary. Be blessed, sweet friend!
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Date: 6/24/2023 5:51:00 AM
Beautiful description of painting, Valsa. Best to you.
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Date: 6/23/2023 10:38:00 PM
Dear Valsa, you write such lovely poems. Today your poem is full of imagery. There are some notable lines but that would mean quoting the whole poem. The metaphor of the fallen log is so apt. Well done.
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