POEMS ABOUT ART

Click on the poem's title to see the painting and then click your back button to return to this page and read these wonderful poems based on the paintings.

Washington at Valley Forge

American 19th Century Washington at Valley Forge,
mid 19th century
Gift of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch
1971.83.20

Poem by Matt R.

Nights as frigid as Antarctic ice
Waging war with the redcoats yet also with survival
Bloody, calloused feet bound in rags,
Men wounded, half naked and starved,
Wishing for an end, any end.

A calm, cool mien, but deep down he fears the worst
The worst for himself, his men... his nation.
"Why, Mr. Washington?"
"Why do you look so impassive?"
"Why bring your men to such a horrible place?"
"Are you a madman?"

Everyone turning to Washington for advice, leadership, courage,
Fighting tooth and nail for what we often take for granted,
Blood, sweat, and tears building the foundation of the United States of America.

The Curiosity Shop

Norman Rockwell


Poem by Laura W.

When children wonder and question things,
That cannot be retorted.
They turn to a place where strange contents rest,
Where exotic objects are assorted.

All you need is a simple question,
And a dash of imagination on top.
Anything you want can be in your reach,
And it's called the Curiosity Shop.

One man's trash is another man's treasure,
That's the motto in this buisness.
Untensils, inventions, and gadgets galore,
Bought by the rich and even the poor.

Each treasure that ever exists in the store,
May have it's own special history.
Portraits of presidents and dolls made of porcelain,
Every crack and defect a mystery.

Young children escape to another world,
As they play with trinkets unassertive.
Adults look on and remember once,
That they too were once as inquisitive.

So when children are looking for an explanation,
Or dress up or spin a top.
they can skip on down,
To a world of discovery,
It's called the Curiosity Shop.

Rocky Balboa Head Shot

LeRoy Neiman / "Rocky Balboa Head Shot" / Mixed / Boxing

Poem by Joey M. Complete dominance,
Blood-sprayed blows,
Whiplash position,
Swollen eyes of despair,
A portrait of pain.
Red gloves of agony,
Twelve rounds of torture,
A feeling of defeat.
A sudden surge,
Gloves of red fire
Sting the opponent.
His vanquished foe
Soon lies inert on the canvas,
A knockout comeback.

The Dance Lesson

Edgar Degas
French, 1834 - 1917 oil on canvas

Poem by Charissa Z.

A young girl
in a pink tutu
sits in despair.
Glancing at the floor in fear and nervousness.
Would she master the triple pirouette?

She must remain in this class.
Her class,
Truly her class.

The world was at her feet as she danced.
The world collapsed when she fell.
Nervousness filled the room.
What would happen?
What would she do?

Not a sound in the room
Everything in slow motion
Everyone staring, not a soul moving.

Her legs felt numb.
She couldn't move.
What would she do?

She saw her reflection in the mirror.
A young girl lost in thought,
A young girl losing all hope.

The music started.
Reminding her of how much fun it once had been.

She was in her world.
Nothing, not anybody could destroy it.

Joy rushed through her body.
She did the triple pirouette

She had made it once again!

The Return of Rip Van Winkle

John Quidor
American, 1801 - 1881
The Return of Rip Van Winkle, 1849, oil on canvas,
Andrew W. Mellon Collection

Poem by Billy M.

Bony fingers
Point and stare
Pale blue eyes
Long white hair
Just as cold
Eyes stare back
Darkened by shadows
Of a long black cap
Jostling people
Scream and jeer
Tension is high
Thoughts become clear
Dead before
Was what people believed
Tears have been cried
Sorrow and grieve
Now they think differently
Rip is reborn
Back an old man
Battered and torn
Thoughts of him gone
Buried and burned
This all because.....
Rip has returned.

Man Painting Flagpole


Norman Rockwell, 1928

Poem by Michelle F.

A spectacle for all to see,
Gold eagle,
An emblem of our nation.
An honorary task.
A perfectionistic painter.
Above the smokey silver sky
Hanging by a risky rope Pipe in mouth,
Workman's clothes,
Completely engrossed,
Forgetting the bustling city below.
He wants to get the job done,
Wants it done right
Appears tired, weary
Task may secretly be thrilling
For inside, he feels on top of the world.
Old man feeling young once again.

The Dance Lesson


Edgar Degas, c. 1879, oil on canvas,
National Gallery of Art, Washington,
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon 1995.47.6

Poem by Anna T.

The soft green walls of the ballet studio echo,
with sounds of music and voices,
The beautiful dancers,
Warming up and stetching,
Asking each other for help with their hair and bows,
Practicing their combinations and dances,
Happy and tired faces fill the cold studio,
Filled with excitement,
Sitting and waiting,
Practicing for hours at a time,
Filled with laughter,
Trying to get warmed up and ready to dance,
Wanting to become famous,
Filled with dreams.

Before the Ballet

Edgar Degas
French, 1834 - 1917
Before the Ballet, 1890/1892 oil on canvas

by Cassify F.

Like the preparation
of a house before a storm,
the mind obsesses
till the flicker turns to a raging fire.
Her foot points toward heaven,
Others extend legs to the barre.
Pondering the upcoming performance,
her pretty face hides fear.
Does fear affect performing?
The final execution
leaves her heart fulfilled.
Silence fills the hall,
but the aura is peaceful.
The dance speaks of effort
and satisfaction.

No swimming 1921


Norman Rockwell, 1928

Poem by Steve D.

Running likes bats out of hell,
Scraping, yelling, freezing, laughing,
Getting away, getting caught
What were they thinking?
Scared and hearts racing
Something I would do
The mischievous doings of childhood!

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