Poem: The Starry Night | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

Poem: The Starry Night

Ekphrastic: a vivid description of a scene or, more commonly, a work of art. Here's a look at how I viewed this beautiful painting by Vincent Van Gogh and how it allowed me to venture into another perspective of open-mindedness.

248
Poem: The Starry Night

The Starry Night

This starry night contains billions of lights shining bright

That hover above the town like little crowns

And are the windows to heaven

For only here, in the French town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Can the sun be an orb of deep orange iron ore?

Only here,

Can wishful thinking commence to see an alternate kindness from corrupt authority?

Only here,

Can the sky cradle the waves of the ocean?

Only here,

Can the moon spin like loom?

Only here,

Can the town be inferior to the merrier world of nature around it?

Only here,

Can the captivities of asylum shrink into nothing?

I appreciate the lights, for I am the beholder of sight

Basking in the glory of it's overwhelming might, it is a guaranteed sight for sore eyes.


Initially, my natural/immediate reaction to seeing this painting was one of pure astonishment and wonder regarding its beauty. Once I was able to look deeper and understand every detail, a new perspective had been created in my mind about life and the places we live in. I began to form a deeper understanding of how life can be seen creatively when I saw how the sky was painted in swirls. This correlated ,in my head, to life truly being "what you make it" and that you are in control of how you view life. Finally, I got a good look at how humans develop intimate connections to the places and environments they reside in. So, that was my new learning experience from art (specifically this painting by Gogh.) Now, I challenge you to form your own perspectives about this painting. What do you feel is most important? What elements do you feel have a deeper meaning?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

A Year At JMU As Told By 'Bob's Burgers'

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

804
Bob's Burgers
collegian.com

A year at JMU promises many great adventures. The journey of becoming a duke and learning what being a duke is all about is really exciting and a lot of fun. Of course, we all know that James Madison University is the greatest university in Virginia (perhaps even the entire country). There are many events and moments at JMU that are cherished and remembered by all dukes.

Keep Reading...Show less
birthday party

My birthday has never been my favorite holiday. I've found that I'm more excited to celebrate my friends' and family members' birthdays more than my own. I don't like being the center of attention, so I usually celebrate over dinner with a small group of family and friends. This way, I can enjoy myself naturally without feeling like I have to entertain everyone and make sure they are satisfied. In the past when I've had large parties, I was so nervous that people weren't perfectly content that I didn't enjoy myself at my own celebration.

Keep Reading...Show less
thinking
College Informations

Most of us have already started the spring semester, and for those of you who haven't started yet, you suck.

It seems like coming back from winter break wouldn't really be a break all things considered, since we all come back to school and pick up right where we left off. We know exactly what to expect, yet we're unprepared every single time.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Dear Future Me, Life Is Tough But Please Remember These 14 Things

You can forget to breathe OR to buy fruit OR to even pet a dog but you cannot forget these things!!

273
Dear Future Me, Life Is Tough But Please Remember These 14 Things
Distractify

Dear Future Me,

I know you still overthink everything and you care too much, but I hope you're loving life regardless of what you're going through. Trust me the ups and downs in life are helping you and shaping you remember that. I know that you think you are wiser and "cooler" than me now but I hope you remember these 14 things that have taught you so much already.

Keep Reading...Show less
I'm serious

There are tons of unisex names that are popular: Taylor, Alex, Bailey, etc. There are also numerous names that are used for both sexes, but they’re not seen as “unisex” yet. People are slowly becoming accustomed to the dual use of these names, but for the most part, in their minds they associate certain names with certain sexes. And that leaves those of us with these names in many awkward situations.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments