What a lovely day it is in the wood
Where the sunlight shimmers down through shadow.
The mixed green foliage a lush canvas
Painting the loveliest day in the wood;
A ruddy, long-haired swain sits on a swing,
Embraced by a lover’s touch and a smile—
Mixed green foliage paints a lush canvas
On this lover’s day in the lumined wood—
This young man leans in to accept a kiss.
He is a ruddy, long-haired swinging swain
Embracing a lover’s touch and their smile
On this lover’s stay in the dark’ning wood
With mixed foliage—a green, lush canvas;
This knave bends on down to accept a kiss
From an aguiler with a serpent’s smile.
This ruddy-faced, long-haired, swain on a swing
Embraces the deceiver’s touching smile
With loving eyes in the darkening wood;
Mixed foliage paints a dark green canvas
For a naive knave accepting a kiss.
This siren’s gaze a tale of treachery—
An aguiler with a serpent’s slow smile.
The ruddy-faced, long-haired, soft-swinging swain
Embraces the seducer’s touch and smile.
Mixed foliage paints a dark green canvas
For the naive knave stealing a soft kiss
On this ill day in the languorous wood.
A long, dull, and rusty dagger in hand—
This devil’s gaze a tale of treachery
For the ruddy, long-haired, dead-dangling dope
Seduced by the sly serpent’s touching smile.
Mixed foliage hides a bloody canvas
Where a sad knave is stolen by a kiss,
On this dead day in the languorous wood
Where sunlight is snuffed out by the shadows.
© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
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Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Online) - Published: March 3rd, 2025 08:29
- Comment from author about the poem: Form: Revelatory Cascade; Meter: Pentameter. This poem is the eighth poem written in my original Revelatory Cascade form and is an ekphrasis of the 1873 painting “Springtime” by French artist Pierre Auguste Cot, currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City, NY.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 15
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Poetic Licence, Cheeky Missy, Mutley Ravishes, Cassie58
Online)
Comments8
This unique style worked so well for this poem that I could not help but give it a fave. It slowly reveals the story in almost song like form and like pulling up a shade from a window slowly reveals what lies beyond. Very nice Tristan
Thank you, Soren. I am glad the form served the content so well. When thinking of writing it, I thought of this form and how it could pull of the kind of slow reveal I was looking for. To hear that in your analysis is a real affirmation of that choice. I am glad it delivered and for your fave! Much appreciated my friend! 🙏❤️
It has the feel that music would accompany this well as it draws you in only then to reveal the final twist, enjoyed the read
Thank you, Tobani! So glad it delivered and you enjoyed, my friend. 🙏❤️
You are very welcome
Woof! Fido thought this needed an 18+ until he saw the two people on a swing. He saved me from nearly swooning when I saw the title 'swinger'! It's me sheltered life, ya know. heehee.
🤣 Ah, my alliterative interpretation of this: A swooning swinging sheltered swain seeing something suspiciously swinging swiftly in, suddenly swooning (methinks) while swings swung satisfyingly satiated in said swing. As for Fido—he can rest easy; this one’s already marked +18! 🤣 But yeah, not for the reason Fido might have thought! Thanks for reading, Orchi! Always appreciated, my friend! ❤️🙏
I shertainly (certainly) can't shay all that comment after a ginsh - or tensh! (a gin or ten). lol.
LOL! Fair enough! Truthfully, neither can I just looking at all of that! LOL!
Always stunning imagery, what a beautiful write and concept.
Thank you, my friend! I am glad it delivered! 🙏❤️
You leave me sitting on the fence, frankly, in love with the romantic image whose youthful lovers illustrate all our hearts cherished on that score, your own lines so exquisite I want to hug myself in the delicious indulgence, torn as the tale twists into such a horror of devilry I'm washing my hands of the joy turned sour. Fascinating. Beautifully rendered with marvelously gorgeous imagery and a damning poignancy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Missy. Glad the poem delivered on all of those fine points. Your time and your feedback are always appreciated, my friend! ❤️🙏
That inner Lucifer, working his socks off to tempt us! A hard taskmaster. Thank heavens there is forgiveness and redemption in this universe, otherwise I'd be toast already!
As others have said, written like a song. Great work, Tristan.
Thank you so much, my friend. I am glad that the musicality came across in this. I am really glad that it delivered and really appreciate your take and feedback, my friend. Always. 🙏❤️
Incredible skill and patience must surely be required to have completed this little beauty .. I am mighty impressed my friend and truly .. Neville
Thank you, Neville. I am glad that you enjoyed and that it delivered. It was a challenge, but I certainly enjoyed it. 😉 You're feedback and encouragement are much appreciated, my friend!
You have woven a wonderful story around a beautiful painting Tristan. You have an amazing talent. So much variety in your work. This form works so well here and your poem reads beautifully recited out loud. Fab poetry with great imagery, much enjoyed my friend.
Thank you, Cassie. Your words humble me and inspire me. I am so thankful that the poem delivered. The painting truly is stunning—I’ve always found it captivating and beautiful, and it hangs on a wall in my bedroom. I was admiring it the other day and just caught a glimpse of the look in the woman's eyes. I began to ponder, is that love or a sinister agenda? That was what sparked the idea. Anyway, thank you for your kind words and support. Much appreciated, my friend! ❤️🙏
Maybe you will consider composing another poem sometime in the future, on the same beautiful painting Tristan, this time focusing on love rather than the sinister. Yes, it’s a challenge dear poet. Have a beautiful Wednesday.
Challenge accepted. 😊 Will do at some point.
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