Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Woman

I submit this bit, as an admission of failure. I have laboured, for some while, at composing a short poem speaking to the enchanting effects of one of Woman's loveliest of gifts ... her shoulder. (It has been said that this is a 'Southern Gentleman's fancy.') And I have found the task beyond my abilities (though I keep the project open.) But, today, I must confess my shortcomings in this offering.


Woman

It is hopeless. There is simply no way.
All attempt at conveying the scope of her Substance, is futile.
All forms of expression, once considered, fail to satisfy.
The Artist knows complete loss, for a means to represent.

Stone can be shaped … brought into submission …
But will never yield a semblance of her might … her force.
Oils … manipulated; blended; mixed and applied …
Fail to reflect the alchemy emanating from her flesh.

Notes; chords; tones and tempos in infinite combination,
All fall short of translating the intoxication of her Essence.
And words … however inflected, articulated, or combined,
Struggle to echo the enchantment of her voice … and fall mute.

For she is Woman. Her Being is beyond capture.
Her effects far too deep … her possession, too complete.
Sculptors, Painters, Composers, and Poets, will forever labour.
Never to capture, nor contain … the exquisite Wonder of her.

So I submit this treatise of surrender … my admission of ineptitude.
For I have, like all of the others, toiled to frustration.
Thus, I relegate my Self to the countless legions who have preceded.
A Man in awe … paying meagre homage to Life’s best … Woman.



John-Michael
15 July 08


21 comments:

Suldog said...

You know, John-Michael, it's interesting that you mention shoulders. If I might indulge my own particular semi-fetish? It is a woman's neck. Some women have amazingly sexy necks, at least to me. There are other parts of their anatomy that truly do interest me more, if truth be told, but her neck can be a source of... inspiration.

Now, if you think it was hard to compose an ode to her shoulder, how do you think I feel?

By the way, the sexiest neck I've ever seen is Susan Lucci's. Your mileage may vary, of course.

aims said...

For your comment over on mine -

I know this now...I really didn't know it then and I was so afraid and so alone.

But I do know it now - every single day - I know it and I feel it. With gratitude and a small smile.

John-Michael said...

Certainly, my SulDog Friend, there can be no more enjoyable a "frustration" than is found in contemplating our respective sources of "inspiration." Hence ... I continue (happily) my quest.

Love Ya, Jim.

John-Michael said...

So you have noticed, Aims, my Darling, that i have found a means of dealing with the sorrows and pain of your Yesterdays ... by forwarding my focus to your Today. For (I must confess) I found that my loving care and empathy with your recountings of Yesterday, far too painful for me to bear.

Just part of loving you so.

SandraRee said...

John-Michael, you took my breath away. And made this southern woman feel special with your words that by your own admission, you deemed a failure. You sir are mistaken, that... was beautiful.

lime said...

is it possible in the expression of a failure to capture something in words, music or sculpture that an idea has been so well embodied? i think so because it seems you have done it....beautifully so.

John-Michael said...

Dearest Sandra, Fair Lady, I bow to your kindness. Every syllable is one with much reflection, and earnest consideration behind it. For, Dear Friend, I have truly invested much time and effort in an honest effort to speak of my respect for and adoration of Life's marvelous Gift of Womanhood. I am humbly pleased that you find beauty in my feeble effort.

Your Servant ...

John-Michael said...

Precious Lime, Gracious Friend and Sweet Soul ... I was truly overcome with a sense of inadequacy and futility in my admission of frustration. I have, for quite a while, struggled with an attempt at a three verse poetic portrayal of what I hoped to present in a few words. But the 'Subject' proved beyond such limitations (at least so far.) Hence my offering of today. Your generous words and Spirit leave me feeling some sense of redemption. Thank you.

Lovingly ...

Joni said...

you seem to fall short of nothing...I believe women (and I presume our parts) defy definition, so I think you've beautifully stated the unstateable.

:)

John-Michael said...

The myriad aspects of Woman ... in the incalculable varieties of expressions presented, in infinite individual women ... would seem capable of overwhelming any attempt at description. Yet the comfortable and serene peace that the contemplation of her brings ... serves to lull me into a false sense of understanding. Hence my failed attempt at speaking of that understanding. Alas!

Your comment gives perspective ... and validation ... to my futile attempt. And ever so kindly! Thank you, Dear Joni.

Affectionately ...

Kissing of the Frogs said...

John-Michael,
This is devine. Somehow I can picture Oprah reading this piece to her audience, and all the world listens in awe.
Hugs,
Rose

John-Michael said...

As a long-time admirer of Oprah, I smile a smile of appreciative contemplation at the thought that you have presented, my Dear Friend, Rose. Please let me know when that reading is to be aired (or when she wants me to read it on-air [grin]) as I will definitely make a tape of that moment! I do love the workings of your creative mind!

As I do love You, Dear One ...

Trixie said...

I think you did a pretty good job with that poem! Not short comings at all my sweet!

John-Michael said...

You, my Darling Trixie, have certainly contributed more than your fair share to my admiration of Woman. I do enjoy you so!

Lovingly ...

Anonymous said...

That's very touching. I can't remember the last time anyone stroked my shoulders though!

CJ xx

p.s. thank you for visiting Amy's blog and leaving your lovely comments.

Anonymous said...

John-Michael, I have answered most of your questions on my blog but will have to get back to you on the bird.

Thank you for your interest, CJ xx

rebecca said...

as susan sarandon said in Bull Durham..."oh, my." exquisite. only a man who loves the essence of woman can compose such beautiful verses...

John-Michael said...

As you can well-tell, Dear CJ, I am easily decided to the comforts of time enjoyed in your 'Presence.' Neither circumstance, nor distance, dilute my pleasure in the comforts of your influence and Spirit. I treasure our kinship.

Lovingly ...

John-Michael said...

Dear Rebecca, you couldn't be more correct in your conclusion. I do, indeed, "love the essence of Woman." And I am complimented in your pleasure in my attempt to express some aspects of that fondness. (Having visited your profile, I am anxious to drop by your blogs for a sampling of your Spirit's expressions.)

gratefully ...

aims said...

You are so sweet! I keep telling you this over and over though - don't I?

John-Michael said...

With the lofty regard that I have for You, my Dear Aims, your favorable regard of me is something that I cherish, and could never tire of. Thank you, Darling Friend.

Lovingly ...

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