SELF-PORTRAIT WITH BLUE
by Robert Okaji
Darker shades contain black or grey. I claim
the median and the shortened spectrum, near dawn’s terminus.
In many languages, one word describes both blue and green.
Homer had no word for it.
The color of moonlight and bruises, of melancholy and unmet
expectation, it cools and calms, and slows the heart.
Woad. Indigo. Azurite. Lapis lazuli. Dyes. Minerals. Words. Alchemy.
On this clear day I stretch my body on the pond’s surface and submerge.
Not quite of earth, blue protects the dead against evil in the afterlife,
and offers the living solace through flatted notes and blurred 7ths.
Blue eyes contain no blue pigment.
In China, it is associated with torment. In Turkey, with mourning.
Between despair and clarity, reflection and detachment,
admit the leaves and sky, the ocean, the earth.
Water captures the red, but reflects and scatters blue.
Look to me and absorb, and absorbing, perceive.
PHOTO: Self-portrait by Robert Okaji.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert Okaji’s work has appeared in Boston Review, Otoliths, Prime Number Magazine, Clade Song, and Vayavya, among others. He lives in Texas with his wife and two dogs.
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This matchless poem, more than words, is a living thing, and I feel soooo blessed to watch it breathe and more blessed still to call the one who gave it breath my friend.
Ron
And now I’m blushing. Thanks, Ron.
I very much enjoyed your poem about color! Very creative!
Thanks very much. Colors are fascinating, aren’t they?
Most definitely!
Not often I find colour captured in words. You’ve caught it here as clearly in the words as in the photograph and the other way round.
Thank you, Simon. I truly appreciate your comments.
Excellent composition.
A personal observation from today. …and blue attracts the insects.
I should be grateful that insects don’t read.
Now I am torn. I thought the 3rd one was best. But this, it is drawing and leading with words, ’round sharp edges and softened corners, peering into deep wells. Beautifully done, really.
Thank you. I’m so pleased that you’re torn (which sounds a bit mean, but still…).
I’ve come back to this poem three times now and each time I have found it more beautiful to read.
Thank you for making my day!
This will likely be my fave…for now; as I’ve always been a “blue” gal–my home is decorated in blue with rose accents, mostly. Never mind, what I meant to say is that this poem makes me “follow”. I really love this poem.
I am so grateful for your comment. Thank you.