On the wall
by the stairs
he punches
his fingers
into the fake
Picasso
he gently
tap, tap, taps
above her head
before he
slides his palm
sideways
just so
above
her skull
and
he smiles
as if all her
thoughts
were of him
#FromOneLine 227
Image: Le Reve
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_R%C3%AAve_%28Picasso%29
Originally tweeted by Tricia (@triciasankey) on September 19, 2022.
Shared with d’Verse Poets Pub for Quadrille Monday, where De Jackson invites us to write a 44-word poem with the prompt word: punch.
Tricia Sankey 
This is so intriguing, and well done. It’s that “tap, tap, taps” that does if for me, takes me right there.
So glad it worked for you! I was thinking this is a weirder write for me, but it’s what came today! 😆
I think all his thoughts are about him… but maybe not the thoughts he wants to imprint on her… it sounds like she should better leave.
😆 Their relationship definitely falls under the category of “It’s complicated”
Very intriguing! He seems full of himself.
He just really appreciates his art! 😅 Thanks!!
Indeed! You are welcome. 😀
♥️🌹♥️
This has surrealism and theatre of absurd.. The desperate narcissism having no end..
Thanks, Ain! I was going for the absurd, but I’m sure this guy is out there! 😆
I love the contrast of gentle to rough and the secretive and possessive nature of this poem. It’s outstanding.
Thanks, I enjoyed a little different write, glad it worked for you!! 💗
Ominous work, TS. Well-told. Thanks.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!! ♥️🌹♥️
An interesting piece.
Thanks so much, glad you think so! ♥️🌹♥️
Tricia, good job of making me wonder what’s real and what’s not…
Thanks, Lisa! I imagine this could be interpreted a few ways. It’s up to the reader to decide! 💓
You’re welcome ❤
I love how you combined the prompt with your artwork! A great ending!
Thanks, Dwight! Picasso inspires me! 🥰
Nice!
Unexpected! A sinister character, you’ve created.
Thanks, Michelle, glad it intrigued! ♥️🌹♥️
Wow!!! Luv where this prompt took you, Tricia
Thanks for dropping by to read mine
Much💛love
Glad you enjoyed it, Gillena!! 💓
Wow! This is different, and awesome just the same. Lovely write, Tricia! 😍
Thanks, I love writing the quadrilles! 🥰
Always! ♥️
♥️♥️♥️
The enjambments create and build such tension. Clever, Tricia!
Thanks, great to hear it worked for you! ♥️🌹♥️
Not the kind of lover’s touch I would welcome, Tricia. I agree with some of the other comments: the second stanza is the most threatening, especially when followed with that smile.
Yes, he’s a bit creepy! To frame a woman, hold her hostage on a wall like that, and then obsess over her split skull …
It’s something different, and I liked it.
Thanks so much! 💝
I think you could be talking about the real Picasso there.
Yes! 😆 The reader is always right!
Good 🙂 I really despise that character. Pablo Neruda’s another one. Excusing the artist is very difficult sometimes.
Yes, I didn’t know a whole lot about Picasso as the man, but after reading the bit about this painting in the Wikipedia article I linked under the photo, this whole poem just kind of took shape!!
He was a real shit. So was Neruda. I think it’s because they were so highly regarded as social revolutionaries (Neruda anyway) setting themselves up as moral leaders, I can’t excuse the way they treated their wives, mistresses and children.
Yes, i should read up more on them. It’s sad the flaws we find in great artists! 😞
I don’t think I’d be judgmental about an artist’s private life if it was private and the artist was private, but when you set yourself up as a moral authority, excuse me, but women are owed as much respect as ‘the workers’.
For sure, completely agree! 💯
There are plenty of megalomaniacs and narcissists out there.
Too many to count! Thanks, Reena! 💓
Love the abstract treatment. The tap, tap, taps create such a vivid image as he tries to get into her head.
Thanks, appreciate your comment! 💓
Seems he took the picture to heart. Or tried. Porn?
Nice write, Tricia, makes one think. Without an answer.
..
Yes, after reading the Wikipedia article linked below the picture about Picasso, this poem took shape! 😆
Ah yes, art can do that. The mind knows it for the fabrication it is, nonetheless, your heart is pulled into its world.
Yes! I also find Picasso’s painting interesting for the backstory. It’s in the Wiki article linked below the image. 😆
You got me thinking with this poem. It made me go back and look for clues.
Thanks, Ali! After researching this Picasso painting (it’s all in the Wiki linked below it) I wrote the poem. I like that it’s a little odd! 😆
Me too. I see the connection to the painting and I like your approach to experiencing art through a poem.
Thanks so much!! 💖
Tap tapping. Yes.
Best that he pinched the fake Picasso and no one else.
She left him huh? She best be going…
Lovely. Thanks.
😆 I’ll leave the interpretation open. Thanks, Selma! ♥️🌹♥️
Intriguing, Tricia…perhaps some characters from your next novel?
He would be a colorful character to paint! 😄 Thanks!!
oh no.. the ax coming and enticing.. can’t wait to see where you’re going here.. 😂♥️
😄♥️🌹♥️