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Review #4720732
Viewing a review of:
Portraits  [E]
A poem I wrote for Hopeless Romantics Contest when I first joined WdC
by Sharon
Review of Portraits  
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Access:  Public | Hide Review (?)
Hello Sharon,

Recently, I took an interest at looking for poems emulating art to inspire some ekphrastic poetry of my own and discovered your offering.

Congratulations on your First Place win in the Hopeless Romantics Photo Prompt Contest with your poem "Portraits." I’ve come here to explore the elements of style, theme, form, and poetic devices that contribute to the success of your piece.

Stylistically, I have found a poem that begins with a command, "Take my hand, be still with me," immediately drawing this reader into a moment of intimacy. This direct address sets a contemplative tone, inviting readers to share in the speaker's emotional journey. The use of vivid imagery, such as "movement in the angry sea" and "the setting sun upon her face," creates a palpable atmosphere, enhancing the overall impact.

Thematically, "Portraits" captures a poignant snapshot of a romantic encounter, emphasizing the transient nature of love. The portrayal of lovers in a "last embrace" conveys a sense of both urgency and finality, echoing the impermanence of fleeting moments. This theme aligns seamlessly with the photo prompt contest, as it translates visual inspiration into a deeply emotive verbal expression.

Structurally, the poem adopts a concise form, fittingly mirroring the fleeting nature of the captured moment. The brevity of the lines adds to the sense of immediacy, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the emotion without unnecessary embellishment. The careful balance between brevity and depth showcases your skill in conveying a rich narrative within a limited space.

Poetic devices play a pivotal role in enhancing the emotional resonance of the poem. The juxtaposition of the lovers' embrace with the dolphin's play and the tearing apart by the wisp of air introduces a layer of complexity. This use of contrast creates a poignant tension, underscoring the delicate nature of love and its vulnerability to external forces. The "wisp of air" becomes a subtle yet powerful symbol of disruption, echoing the fragility inherent in romantic relationships.

As for suggestions, should you revisit, you could consider experimenting with enjambment to evoke a continuous flow between lines, mirroring the fluidity of the depicted scene. For example, in the lines "Now gaze upon the dolphin's play / beneath the setting sun's display," a seamless transition between these thoughts could intensify the emotional connection.

It was a unique pleasure to take interest in your poem, to see how it functions, and lend comment.

Sincerely,

Brian
WDC Angel Army Reviewer
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