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Rowing Out

An Ekphrastic Sonnet

By D. J. ReddallPublished about a year ago Updated about a year ago 1 min read
"The Lobsterman" (The Doryman) by N. C. Wyeth (1882–1945), 1944

The desire to escape increases

But when the world entire has gone mad

On what remote shore can one fit pieces

Into a pattern that makes the heart glad?

When ignorance and greed and hate abound

And plagiarism passes for great art

When poison spills into the fecund ground

And order seems to be flying apart

What recourse do the lost and lonely have?

What distant place ought they to row toward?

Perhaps, our sumptuous dreams we must halve

Lest grim despair propel us overboard

Concentrate on the rowing, vigorous

Methodical progress could well save us

Ekphrastic

About the Creator

D. J. Reddall

I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

Top insights

  1. Compelling and original writing

    Creative use of language & vocab

  2. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

  3. Eye opening

    Niche topic & fresh perspectives

  1. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

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Comments (10)

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  • Silver Dauxabout a year ago

    Stunning poem. The despairing anger coming to an abrupt halt in the last two lines was stunning. Really loved this!

  • D.K. Shepardabout a year ago

    This struck a nerve today! Especially the "And plagiarism passes for great art" line! Wonderfully penned, D.J.!

  • Cathy holmesabout a year ago

    Beautiful work. The answer is found in the last two Ines.

  • Sean A.about a year ago

    Simply incredible

  • Jason “Jay” Benskinabout a year ago

    Nice work.

  • Natalie Wilkinsonabout a year ago

    Thank you D.J. you’ve both hit the nail on the head and extended hope.

  • Well I sure hope so. Loved your poem!

  • Rachel Deemingabout a year ago

    Deftly done, D.J. Deftly done indeed. That painting too is just magnificent.

  • Kodahabout a year ago

    I enjoyed this, DJ! Incredible work! 💘🌟

  • Jason “Jay” Benskinabout a year ago

    Awesome work love the ending,

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