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Measure of Light

by Glenn Currier

This dark path is large in my past.
An anchor
gargantuan
rust-crusted and scarred
dropped from my bobbing boat
falls too many fathoms
for my rope.
My shaking vessel lurches,
about to founder.

From the far reaches,
a deep drum, a distant boom
in my inner ear
tries to wake me.

Umber shadows
black oaks arise from the earth
dark bodies lean toward my path
dripping fingers
pointing down as if to say:

Pause here a moment.
Bring your scattered mind
back to this place
where you ran
where you began.

Linger here.
Feel the warm mud
folding around your feet
sink into your roots.

Find here the measure of light
you’ve been seeking.

To see the picture that inspired the poem and the poem itself, please go to: http://poetryinprogress.net/Poets/Currier/Currier-Poems.html

11/12/2011

Author's Note: Author’s Note: This poem is inspired by the George Rodrigue painting, The Baton Rouge Oak http://poetryinprogress.net/Poets/Currier/Rodrigue-oak.jpg . According to Wendy Rodrigue in her blog, Musings of an Artist’s Wife, as Rodrigue was seeking his own unique artistic expression, he started painting trees and landscapes from his native Cajun Louisiana. He was asked about the oak painting and its name, and he said that, “it was the tree and its relationship to its surroundings that stood out to him.” When I first saw this painting on Wendy’s wonderful blog - http://www.wendyrodrigue.com/2009/10/early-oak-trees-and-regrettable-self.html , it was as if it reached out from the computer screen and took hold of me. I had to write a poem about it. As I looked at the painting and noted some of its details, its meaning for my own journey emerged in this poem. I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and my roots go deep into southern Louisiana where my mother (Inez Durand Currier) was born and raised and where many of my cousins now live and love. I am grateful to George and Wendy Rodrigue for helping me navigate the path from my past to my present and into the light.

Posted on 11/12/2011
Copyright © 2025 Glenn Currier

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Alison McKenzie on 11/12/11 at 04:17 PM

Even though this painting was obviously painted long ago, the personal message you've taken from it is sooooo relevant! Blessings and thank you!

Posted by Shannon McEwen on 11/12/11 at 04:40 PM

I really like this, particularly "Linger here. Feel the warm mud folding around your feet sink into your roots." well said!

Posted by Jim Benz on 11/12/11 at 06:41 PM

This is wonderful Glenn. The second poem I've read recently that was based on a painting, and also the second that hit me right where I live. Right now. Thanks for posting it.

Posted by George Hoerner on 11/13/11 at 08:09 PM

I wrote a poem once about I picture but it came out no where hear as well as yours. Very nice Glenn.

Posted by Lori Blair on 11/14/11 at 12:08 AM

I always have thought that paintings are words shared soul to soul and you certainly have done that belief justice..this is so well done..Brilliant!

Posted by Gabriel Ricard on 11/14/11 at 12:41 AM

Profound history, with a hidden implication throughout of being absolutely endless.

Posted by Morgan D Hafele on 11/14/11 at 04:17 PM

this rings very close to my heart as lately i have been thinking a great deal about my own roots, and finding my way back home. excellent write glenn. thank you for sharing this!

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 11/17/11 at 04:24 PM

That first stanza is just masterful - seldom do I see the word "gargantuan" used and here it demands attention. The words here, along with the photo, envelope the reader - they invite and also provide a profound "aha!" moment. Thank you.

Posted by Tony Whitaker on 11/18/11 at 09:37 AM

I too have become inspired by works of art to write poetry and music. This is wonderful Glenn!

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