Paul Waring

Edward Burra: The Snack Bar (1930)

by Paul Waring

Wednesday 8th February 2017 8:42 am

no, her beauty did not lie

in her pleasant face

nor in her rubenesque shape

or in her overstated sense of style

she sat at the counter,

her exquisite perfume

slowly scenting the room,

as she relished

a sandwich and

a long, hot, black coffee

no, her beauty lay in her demeanour,

a blatant sensuousness that

aroused in me a primal urge,

suggested in each glance,

the movements of her mouth,

and how she brought her cup

to those rich red lips,

that knowing look,

an unspoken promise

from her inviting eyes,

and the confirming hand

that touched mine before she left.

🌷(4)

◄ Bob Hope Saved Me

Some Lie and Some Die ►

Comments

Paul Waring

Sat 11th Feb 2017 11:47

Hi Frances, I was so touched to read your comments and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind praise of this poem.

I would love to have done a degree in Creative Writing. What a great 50th birthday present to yourself, I really hope it was an enjoyable and enriching experience.

Between the ages of 35-45 I did a Psychology degree and then a few year later a Clinical Psychology doctorate. I think over the past 6 years of retirement my more creative side has begun to replace my scientist-practitioner side. I now feel I have found something so rewarding, I can't stop!

Frances, I'm so thrilled by your praise of this poem.

Paul

Frances Macaulay Forde

Sat 11th Feb 2017 02:54

G'day Paul, I'm slowly making my way through your poems with great pleasure and trying to make comment on each because I'm enjoying the reveal.
This one reminds me of own epiphany - daring at 48 to undertake a Creative Writing degree as a mature age student. (It was my 50th birthday present to myself.)
One of the Uni writing exercises which cemented my poetic appreciation was sitting in front of a piece of art and writing 'around' it. (I am very visual.)
You have demonstrated this, so cleverly, including all the senses, characterization and story. Beautiful! ?

Paul Waring

Thu 9th Feb 2017 22:44

Dear Ray, I only started writing poetry again in December after joining WoL (21st Dec). Since then, you (and Col) have been like mentors, encouraging me to progress. So much so, I have felt confident enough to post all sorts of poems/pieces! And to have received so many wonderful, encouraging comments is almost beyond belief.

I was at such a loose end before I began writing poetry again and it has given me a new lease of life. I cannot thank you enough for your support Ray. And I would love to do some live work in the UK after I return in March (been living in Lanzarote and Lisbon since 2011).

I respect you so much for your kindness and encouragement Ray.

Love and thanks, Paul x

raypool

Thu 9th Feb 2017 21:42

I won't get drawn into the particular relevance of the wider art context Paul, much as it is interesting and revealing; but I wanted to say that you have nicely mastered the conception of sleaze in this full blown poem - you have set aside your regular guy image and taken irrevocable steps into the dark unknown. One giant step for paul......

Ray with respect.

Paul Waring

Wed 8th Feb 2017 15:34

Thanks again David. I agree entirely with what you say about Burra's works. You've prompted me to seek more information about his life, views, etc. I find it fascinating to learn about what inspires people to be creative, especially artists, painters and musicians.

I expect you and I could converse extensively about life and its meaning (or lack of)? It does seem absurd in so many ways, so I can see why Burra might say nothing matters, it's all a question of perspective I suppose.

Thanks again David for your kind words, it's been great to find a fellow writer on here who shares such a passion for Mr Burra! Looking forward to more interesting exchanges with you in future.

Paul

Paul Waring

Wed 8th Feb 2017 10:25

David, thank you for your comment, it's lovely to hear from you. I'm glad we share an admiration of Edward Burra's art. I enjoyed reading your Burra poem. How right you are right when you say:

"now all of us are richer
bestowed his treasures wealth"

BTW, was the picture of his painting that you included called Babylon Wales (or similar)?

Thanks again David,

Paul

Paul Waring

Wed 8th Feb 2017 09:49

Thanks Col,

As always, you've provided thoughtful comments. I've liked the works of Edward Burra for a long time and I've had a framed print of this picture for many years. It is one of my favourites, so I suddenly felt the urge to write about it.

I will try to find that BBC4 Art of France series but, living in Lisbon at present, I haven't got full access to BBC or iPlayer.

I'm sure it will be worthwhile if you do attempt a piece based on Manet's painting!

Paul

<Deleted User> (13762)

Wed 8th Feb 2017 09:16

I'm not familiar with this painting but I love your take and the story you have drawn from it. Whether it has any relevance to the artist's intentions is kind of irrelevant. That hunk of meat that he cuts is full of sensual hints.

I have to admit that at this point I googled the picture and found this article on the Tate's website. Seems Burra was a bit of a Bukowski in his low life fascinations. And after reading the article I'm now thinking you know all about this woman and her 'confirming hand'. But your poem works with or without that knowledge. How much should the author disclose to the reader? In this case I don't think it really matters.

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/burra-the-snack-bar-t03051

I've been watching the very excellent Art of France on BBC4 and Manet's Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe was mentioned. I had half a mind to write something similar based on that picture, a conversation between the four characters perhaps. It might still happen.

Really like this one Paul.
Cheers,
Colin

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

Please consider supporting us

Donations from our supporters are essential to keep Write Out Loud going

Bringing poetry to people

Click here to donate now