Guiding Lights
Concerns far behind us,
we reflect on direction,
guided by the light
of a thousand million souls.
Embracing the calm
descending upon us,
our course is clear
as we go forward, together.
This is a further revision of a poem that originated in February 2016, then revised and featured at The Ekphrastic Review in September 2018. All are inspired by Starry Night Over the Rhone, by Vincent van Gogh.
The poem as it appeared in 2016
~~~~~
Guiding Lights
Beneath the gaze of
a thousand million souls,
guided by their light,
we choose our path
Past concerns behind us,
we make our way,
our thoughts only for
what lies ahead
And as it appeared in
The Ekphrastic Review in 2018
Guiding Lights
Awake in this moment,
our concerns far behind us,
we make our way,
reflecting on direction.
Beneath the gaze
of a thousand million souls,
guided by their light,
our path is chosen.
Our course made clear,
we embrace the calm
that descends upon us
going forward, together.
Ken Gierke
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
rivrvlogr 
Isn’t it wondrous how a poem can grow and change, like a child, almost.
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It is, indeed, Daniel. Thank you.
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All 3 versions are great … like the painting, each encounter accented a bit differently … a varying mix of voice-of-the-poet and ear-of-the-reader akin to eye-of-the-beholder.
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In line with our ever-changing perspective. Thank you, Jazz.
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This a lovely remodeling of this poem, Ken.
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Thank you, Robbie.
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I can’t decide which version I like the best. Each does seem to emphasize something different, like looking at the painting at different moments of time.
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Thank you, Merril. Yes, that changing perspective.
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They do look like souls. I love the hope in your new version. (K)
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Thanks, Kerfe.
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