
The Lovers (1880) public domain – by John Atkinson Grimshaw
the night is transformed
moonlight spills silver and gold
glows in lover’s eyes
“For whom is destined this sublime spectacle, this abundance of poetry cast from heaven to earth?”
so close they are one
their breath like incense rises
offering their love
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Quote from “Clair de Lune” by Guy de Maupassant, one of my most loved
I doubt that my poetic format is correct, but I remembered there was a format that allowed for a famous quote to be inserted as the middle stanza of the poem, so I just did my best. When I saw this beautiful painting, “The Lovers” all I could think of was the story, “Clair de Lune” by Guy de Maupassant. What a fantastic opportunity, to be able to write poetry inspired by these incredible works of art!
Copyright ©2026 Lisa Paul. All rights reserved.
Nicely done Lisa 👏 and a great quote to use 👍
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Thank you so much!
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I can smell the incense from your description Lisa!!! Heck yeah love your use of imagery and color and culmination in the final stanza! Beautiful 🧡
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Thank you so very much 💙
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Lisa I love this haiku puente- it’s a tender and evocative piece that blends classical romantic imagery with a touch of the metaphysical so beautifully.❤️
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Thank you, Ange, for naming the format and for your lovely words 💙
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You are most welcome Lisa – that’s what I call the form I hope it’s right 😀
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Wow Lisa ❤️
This is beautiful .
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Thank you so much, Maggie, for your lovely comment ❤️
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Lisa ❤️ my pleasure always.
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so close they are onetheir breath like incense rises
Love a poem that creates a closeness of two young people, Lisa! It is a fulfilment one expects to happen. A good choice of quote given here!
Hank
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Thank you, Hank!
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So very nicely written, Lisa. This was an intriguing painting!
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Thank you so much! I loved all the paintings ❤️
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:>) You are welcome!
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Lisa, this is gorgeously rendered! I especially admire; “moonlight spills silver and gold glows in lover’s eyes.”
Thank you so much for writing to the prompt ❤️❤️
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Thank you so very much! And thank you for such a wonderful challenge!
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I had never read that book, but I imagine it would be well worth playing some Debussy to this tale.
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It is a short story and very moving. And I agree, some Debussy would be lovely.
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👏👏👏👏
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Thank you!
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Nicely done!
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Thank you so much☺️
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Great quote and lovely imagery, Lisa!
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Thank you so much!
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Your ekphrastic poem is PERFECT, Lisa!
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Thank you, Helen, for your very kind words ❤️
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Beautiful poetry, Lisa, complementing the painting ever so perfectly. And I love that Maupassant quote. Thank you for sharing it. 💛
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