Poem Inspired by Edward Hopper

Peter looked at the wine sloshing in the glass, his hands rested on the table. It was as if his body wanted to reach for the drink, but his heart and mind wouldn’t work towards the goal. His face felt sticky and dry from the clown makeup. It always did, he could feel the thick paste begin to crack until the pressure of time and the wind.

“Peter.”

He heard his name, above all the sound, he heard his name. Above the clatter of the silverware, above the mundane prerecorded voices of the customers, above the suffocating hum of normality, he heard his name.

“Peter, are you listening?”

He glanced upward, he could feel the waitress’s eyes gnawing at the back of his painted skull.

“Peter, we don’t like this sort of thing, you know? It doesn’t give us pleasure.”

“I know.” His own voice sounded bizarre now, he hadn’t used it in what felt like forever.

The other man, dressed in dark clothes and a black beret, pulled some cigarettes from his pocket. It was about time. He’d been smoking and blowing the white clouds into Peter’s face for at least ten minutes now, “What one?” That was the first thing he'd said and the last thing he was going to say.

Peter nodded, placing the little tube in his mouth and letting it dangle there. He never actually lit it.

The first man, a bright bald spot glimmering in the pale glow from the restaurant, went right on talking, “It’s just that people don’t like clowns anymore. You know? You’re scaring people around here. The kids start crying whenever you come around.”

“I just wanted to make people happy.” The words seemed to grind against his throat, like claws scraping their way up to his tongue.

Bald Spot tipped his head, “And that’s very admirable of you. You know, I admire your selflessness.”

“I needed this job. My landlord is going to evict me.”

Bald Spot shifted in his chair, a look of discomfort landing on his face, “Come on, really Peter. You know that isn’t fair.”

He forced his head to bobble up and down, “Yes. Sorry sir.”

Bald Spot sighed, “Now, we’re willing to give you three weeks’ pay, I really think that we’re being more than generous. You know?”

Peter scoffed under his breath. What exactly did he know?

“Yes, sir.”

Bald Spot said nothing more. And the man with the ever shrinking cigarette said nothing more. And Peter said nothing more.

The place quieted, and went dark. 

Art Walk

The wintry ocean reminds me of my father. We go to the beach in Florida every winter, the blankets of white sand, the icy waters crashing against the sharp rocks, the warmth of the sun bursting between shades of grey clouds. I remember how green it still was, when all had turned to brown back at home. I remember the joy of being away, and how fun it was to let go when I got the chance. There was no snow there, or ice. Life seemed to have passed though winter completely unaware of its absence. Winter, however, is my favorite seasons. Still, perhaps a break can be rejuvenating. When I would return home, it was as if I’d woken up from a dream. Reality, shockingly, still managed to survive perfectly well without me there. He always promised we’d go back next year. And we always have. I don’t intend to stop now, even when a time in my life is ending and another is beginning. I need to hold on to this tradition, even if it may seem childish. There are some dreams that you can come back to in your sleep, and this dream has always been an inviting one. I smile when I think of those trips to Florida with my dad, and I smile when I think of those journeys still yet to come. Sometimes I wonder if this dream will come to cease, forever. I hope not. Sometimes it can be nice not to have to wake up. 

The Comfort in Being Forgotten

We are all memory that will fade away. 

There will come a time when the world, in all it's glory, will meet it's end. 

And the human race will end along with it. 

The rest of the universe will barley notice our leaving. 

It will be like a spark from a great flame. 

Galaxies will never even know we existed. 

Our great story will come to be just that - a story. 

But one day, there will be no one to tell it. 

And I think the universe will smile. 

There's a comfort in that, too. 

Stopping the World

She felt the flowers on her legs like little velvet bells, chiming as the wind brushed against her bare shoulders. 

His arms were warm, warmer than the summer air in the meadow. 

Her dress was draped about her slender body, his robe pressed up against the garment, their bodies meeting. 

His hands were soft, they grazed her face with graceful elegance. 

Their love could be sensed from all across the field. 

It was stronger than any flowery scent, or sunny light. 

Her eyes were closed, yet she could see him. 

His lips whispered against her soft flesh, her toes bending. 

He never got near her lips, her cheek was enough. 

She didn't move, and let the world end around her. 

Artist Profile: Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt was born on July 14th, 1862 in Baumgarden, in the Austrian Empire. He passed away on February 6th, 1918. His father was Ernst Klimt the Elder, a gold engraver. His mother was Anna Klimt, a woman who wanted to be a musical performed, but never had her dreams recognized. He had a total of seven siblings, three brothers and four sisters. When he was a young man, he attended the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts.

Although Klimt was extremely secretive about his love life, it is known that he was very much sexually active. Many people don't know that he fathered at least fourteen children in his life, but never married. In fact, he lived with his mother until her death. He is known for having affairs with many of the females whole modeled for him. He had a lifelong association with Emilie Floge, although the exact nature of their relationship is unclear. One of his most famous affairs was said to have been with Adele Bloch-Bauer, the only woman who sat for him twice.



Gustav Klimt was born into poverty. The slowly worked up towards a livable income, spending his early years as a poor man. In 1894, Klimt was asked to paint the ceiling of the Great Hall at the University of Vienna. The three paintings, Philosophy, Medicine, and Jurisprudence, in English, were considered to be too graphic for the average audience. Klimt, known as a master of eroticism, struggled in these early days. In 1897, he became one of the founders and the president of the Vienna Secession. This group helped to provide exhibits and display the work of young, unconventional artists. He stayed with his project until 1908. During his gold phase, Klimt began to receive real success. He used gold and silver leaf in his paintings, and he was starting to become recognized as a genius. He also received success later in his life, painting Life and Death, which received acclaim. He died of what appeared to have been a stroke.

Klimt faced many challenges in his life, having been born into poverty, and losing his father and his brother, Ernst, fairly early on in his life. This left him responsible for both of their families, financially. Also, some of his work was, for a time, considered to be too pornographic for the normal audience. One of the greatest examples of this was the reaction he received after painting on the ceiling of the Great Hall. Many considered his work in the University of Vienna to be too graphic.

Klimt used mainly oil and gold and silver leaf on canvas. He was considered to be a master of Symbolism, Art Nouveau, and Modernism. Three of his most famous paintings include The  Kiss, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, and The Virgin.

Although I love much of Klimt's work, two of works that truly fascinate me are The Kiss and Life and Death. The Kiss was considered to be the most famous of Klimt's paintings, it is the visual of a man and woman crouching in a flower field. Life and Death is said to be about the the ever present threat of death, but that it will never break the cycle of life.

The Work of My Classmates

Hi, Mariah! I loved this. It was so creative. You have a short and sweet kind of writing style that I find to be very interesting. I especially loved the line, “I’m done. I thought to myself. I lived off of stories, Grandma’s stories, and now she’s gone.” I find that so heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. The story was elegant and thoughtful, you have a talent for pacing and making characters believable and real. All I can say is congratulations on this piece of work! And the ending really got me, too. You should definitely continue writing and I believe you should continue on this story if you have the time. I also loved the part, “’No, lay down, you’ll need all the rest you can get,’ his brown hair was flopping through the wind as he made his descent through the forest. This isn’t a dream.” At the end. It was really is beautiful imagery.

You’re Fabulous,

Taylor Denton

Hi, Mariah!

This was so interesting. Thank you for teaching me about Ted Dekker. I’ve yet to read any of this work, but he seems like a fascinating person and a fascinating writer. Very much similar to yourself! I wanted to mention how much I loved your writing style, you write as if you’re simply talking to your best friend, and it is very comfortable and enjoyable to read.  And I love how you say, “I judge a book by its cover. I will just listen to the title of a book and tell you whether or not I will read the book. I know what I’m looking for. When I find it, I find it. If the name’s cliché, the book is probable cliché.” Because I do that as well. People always put me down for it, so it’s nice to know that there is someone out there who also does this. And your ending line, “Nothing is different if I just write for myself or if I write for the public eye. I have nothing to hide. If anything, it’s the exact opposite.” Is fantastic.

( I enjoyed this piece of work from Mariah the most because it taught me the most about who she is as a person. )

You’re Awesome,

Taylor Denton

Hi Mariah!

Wow! You can sure say a lot without using many words. That is a real talent. Anybody can hammer out a dramatic message using 2,000 words or so, but very few people can do so with just six. I loved the one, “Don’t talk to me, my friend.” It was so masterfully created and done. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing this with everyone. And the one for your father is fantastic as well. I think our fathers would really get along. They seem to be similar people. You really have a skill for this kind of poem. If you like it, I really encourage you to do more. I think you’re good enough to have some published! I honestly do, you’re really good at this! Keep writing, I’m sure one day you’ll be very famous for your talent and beautiful writing style.

Stay Snazzy,

Taylor Denton

Hi, Mariah!

I loved how you addressed it to the reader. It made it so personal and real. The line, “You pushed me out of your world up there. You called me a lunatic and psychotic. You tell me that I am malicious and dangerous.” Is amazing, really! You are so talented. Having read some of your other work, I am definitely used to being impressed, but this one really did a number on me. I think it was the most creative post of yours I’ve seen thus far. It really examines the human condition and the human mind. “I am beautiful. I am musical. I am here to call you into this hole that I am in.” Has to be my favorite part. You can make the mood so epic and special that it feels as if I’m reading from an already famous published author!

You’re Crazy Awesome,

Taylor Denton

What’s up, Mariah?

THIS WAS SO GREAT! I loved it! The way you switched moods depending on the poem was great, you can write many different ways and about many different things. I think this is my favorite piece by you I’ve read today. I loved the one about the monsters, Where are the monsters? Hiding in the Black Forest with evil and fear.” That creates amazing imagery and fear. You’re fabulous. I’ve loved all of your writing, I hope you continue with it. It would be so great to walk into a book store one day and find one of your works up on the bestseller list. But, even if you decide not to publish and you want to keep your work private, the main piece of advice I’d like to give to you is never stop. It would be a real crime to give up on your talent!

You’re Great,

Taylor Denton

Hi, Maddie!

I’m definitely voting for you to become the next president. I love your beautiful ideas about education and how life should generally be. I’d be so much happier if I lived in this society. And the thing is, it isn’t that unrealistic. There wouldn’t have to be many drastic changes to make this kind of place a reality. But it’s heartbreaking to know that it isn’t ever going to happen, isn’t it? At least, not for a long time. But your writing and this poem give me hope that another world is possible. I really enjoyed the part of the poem that went, “You wouldn’t have bad hair days. Or ‘That’s gay’ .You wouldn’t even have class at 7:50 AM.” That’s the way it should be, isn’t it? I’d be satisfied to make these changes alone, these things would make the world a better place.

Thank You for Being You,

Taylor Denton

Hi, Maddie!

This would be so perfect. The part that I really loved was, “Then Beyoncé would tuck me into bed and sing to me until I fell asleep.” She is the queen. Who wouldn’t want Beyoncé to sing them to sleep? Talk about fabulous. It’s also really sweet the way you talk about all the things you would do for other people. Most everyone seems to think only of themselves when it comes to their perfect day (myself included), but not you. You seem like a genuinely selfless person who cares about others. This really shines through in your writing. The way you talk about the things you want for your parents is really beautiful. You have a very gentle, flowing writing style that I really enjoy. Do you plan to continue writing after high school? I really hope you do. You have a talent for it.

Stay Awesome,

Taylor Denton

Hi, Maddie!

I’ve never read this book, but now I really want to. You’re paragraph at the end showed all the passion and love you obviously have for this book. You have an ability to see into the deep meanings of things that other people tend to miss. That is really awesome. I bet you’re a great person to have a discussion with. Your writing is intelligent, thoughtful, and graceful. You’re so mature for a person your age, and that is really rare in this school. You have a really great mind, and you really seem wise beyond your years. I loved the quote and I loved the meaning you got out of it. Congratulations on being so very talented!  I hope I get to read about more of your personal thoughts in the future, you’re very insightful and have the ability to understand concepts that even many adults can’t seem to grasp.

You’re Great,

Taylor Denton

Hi, Maddie!

Now, I myself really struggled with this poem when I wrote it. I found it difficult to write and hard to connect to. I think mine turned out to be pretty unexciting and dull, but your poem is another story .You really managed to connect all the types of the paint colors and weave them gracefully into the poem. I could not do this, but you have already acquired a mastery of writing that many people spend decades trying to perfect. You’re extremely creative. I loved the line, “But harsh like the deepest wine.” It really gave me an image of the painting I believe you created. It’s been said that writes paint with their words, and I really think this is the case for you. Awesome job. I also appreciated the image you included at the bottom with all the various colors of purple, it gives a person an idea of what colors you were describing.

You’re Lovely,

Taylor Denton

Hi, Maddie!

“In the bright, hot, sun, sand shining in the light, stuck between my toes.” Was a great short poem. I could see the scene you created with just a few words, and the title really completed it. I love how descriptive you can be with only a few lines. I enjoyed reading this work and I might suggest that you do more poems like this is the future. Haikus are indeed quite difficult. I struggled to cram meaning, imagery, and good writing into mine when I wrote them and they just ended up being somewhat over-complicated. But yours are simplified and fun to read. Thanks for using your talent on such a fun poem! And it is definitely a relief and a breath of fresh air to have sometimes light and lovely instead of the dark and depressing things I commonly have to read, thank you for sharing!

Stay Awesome,

Taylor Denton

( That was my favorite piece of Maddie's because of the lighthearted and gentle mood it created. )

Hi, Katie!

This story was awesome! It was so creative and inventive. How do you come up with so many awesome ideas? I’ve read some of your stuff and I’ve loved all of it. You have such an amazingly clever and witty way of writing. I absolutely adore the picture that you included at the end! It made the whole thing so real. This was so classy and awesome. I really enjoyed the way you connected the plot together in this way. You’re a boss! My favorite part is, “The negotiations lasted for hours, particularly on the subject of arming the Earthlings with Argon's weaponry. As Argons are sentient-gas beings, they can only use gaseous poisons against the Martians, which could also be deadly to Earthlings when released.” You really brought the story and the aliens to life.  I’m so impressed in the way you created this world in just a few sentences. You have a talent for making creative stories in a short piece of time. Bravo!

You’re Beautiful,

Taylor Denton

What’s Up Sister,

I love The Great Gatsby! It’s one of my complete favorites. I adore the way you talked about it, I really did. And I totally agree with the things you said. You have a well-developed mind. The line, “Besides all the deeper meanings to this passage, I also love it for the simplistic and beautiful language that it contains.” Is totally awesome! I completely agree. It’s so nice to read the way I feel about The Great Gatsby. I also loved the way you analyzed the book and how it was written. You also did a great job describing it. The way you talk about the book is loving and intelligent, I can tell you have a passion for books from this story. Amazing analysis! You are very mature and a great thinker, and this passage is thoughtful and well-written in every way possible. Awesome job!

Your Face is Magical,

Taylor Denton

Hi, Katie!

“In the bakery, Rich dark chocolate drops smooth, Forming sweet small cakes” was such a cute poem! You have a talent for writing innocent and adorable things.  It’s so refreshing to read this. It’s nice to read something that isn’t totally dark and depressing. I think what I like best about your writing style is how gentle and sweet it is without being annoyingly cutesy. I love how much you can convey with a few words. This poem is very pretty and fabulous. What I also enjoyed was how you got in touch with my stomach! You managed to make me starving without even trying! That takes effort. You are very descriptive in your writing that is really my favorite thing about this poem and about your writing in general. You can make up stories in a few seconds that become creative masterpieces. Great job, sister! I loved it.

You’re a Genius,

Taylor Denton

Yo, yo, Katie,

This was great! You connected all the colors into this poem really seamlessly. I was impressed with how creative this one was. It can be hard to try to be creative with such a structured poem assignment, but you really made this your own and I loved it. I also enjoyed how you painted a picture with this work. Your imagery was really great! It’s a really gentle poem with a cute undertone. It’s innocent and lovely, and I completely love it! It can really be hard to find good writing, but I have really found it in your writing. I wanted to go to this place you’d created, it really seems like a good place to be. When I read your writing, I can’t really help but to feel happy. That’s another thing I love about this poem, it’s incredibly creative! Great job, awesome work!

Stay Awesome,

Taylor Denton

 Hi, Katie!

This was adorable! It was so cute, and of course I loved the way you made it about a child and the connection that the baby had with his mother. It seems like you really summed up the way a new mother would feel after her child was born. I loved the way you tapped into this delicate and unbreakable connection with parent and offspring. I love writing that tells the truth about something invisible, and I think you really did that with this poem. My favorite line of this work is, “Child of her Heart, Affectionately swaddled in Readily placed blue blankets.” It creates the sweetest imagery of the whole poem, in my opinion of course. I also loved how warm and fuzzy it made me feel. It was a happy poem and a great piece of work, and that combination can be a difficult one to find.

Great Job,

Taylor Denton 

(This was my favorite piece of work from Katie because it was sweet and intelligent)

6 Line Poem

"Don't Forget Me, Just Don't Remember"