iris in vincent’s eye

i begin as
dry ivory bulb
asleep in deep dark
until warmth stirs from
far away as sunshine
whispers, “come to me”

i stretch
uncurling in
moist brick soil
insects tickling my
pale skin as it peels off
with sigh, “love, arise!”

i reach up
to throw off the
heaviness of garden
bed’s blanket and am
blinded by yellow light
crying, “it’s spring!”

i grow long
sabered leaves
of vibrant green to
drink in cool rain and
shelter tender buds with
promise, “we’ll dance!

i bloom in
profuse blue hues
from cerulean to indigo
unfurling petaled banners
to reveal frilly stamens and
sing, “behold life’s beauty!”

i fade as
sun sets in gold;
plucked from roots
glory slowly wanes as
flowered energy wilts with
a moan, “remember me.”

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irises by van gogh

open up and be healed

Linking to dVerse where Bjorn is serving fresh haibuns…

view-of-the-church-of-saint-paul-de-mausole-1889

View of the Church of St. Paul de Mausole by Van Gogh


The artist’s brush expresses what ears may not hear and tongue cannot say…

“After he took him aside away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. He looked up into heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, ‘Ephphatha!’ (which means, ‘Be opened!’). At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue loosened and he began to speak plainly.” (Mark 7:33-35)

Is the one who inspired the colors of Vincent’s art the same spirit who illuminated Mark to write good news? Perhaps today, Christ’s spirit sighs for us “to listen” to his loving whispers…or he may be prompting us “to speak” his message of peace.  Hearts and minds, like church windows of the soul, need to be opened to let in the fresh breeze of the Holy Spirit. If only Vincent had found healing in this life.

hear sigh in colors

spirit wind strokes the grasses

surrounding muted church

 


oh, van gogh!

Starry Night by Van Gogh

Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh

lonely dutch artist

paints his view from asylum

seeking blue-hued peace

_____

thoughts like colors swirl

calm by beauty of bright moon

dark tree gives balance

_____

roiling emotions

mind’s sky illuminated

brush-stroked starry night


Missed linking to prompt on CDHK but inspired to write this set…my 300th post!