Joe Kelly: The Form, the Figure and the Field

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Sensitivity, by Kim McLaughlin

The form, the figure and the field

Hatching and woven in the womb
you are part of the tree of life
a blessed form being scribed with ink
shaped on the woodlands leafy mat
and turning clay the bare embryology
of life’s human condition
crouching in a fetal ball
so emerging pain as feet
are stretching seeking self-righting

Telling the story of life the violent
trauma body hitting blue water total
confusion with massive fear to the
body experiencing the imminent
imperative of choice and
activity right or wrong left or
right up or down pushing
on pushing up pushing
onwards must be made

The search for meaning
using prime brushstrokes
perceiving the power
of reflection
essentially the will to overcome
to analyse circularise
lobotomize every wise
chewing over the carcass the bones
the gristle and the awe

Searching
the father the son and the spirit
for a place in the sun
within life's field
and the desire
to grow
and reach beyond

Written in response to two paintings (Sensitivity and Suspension) by and © Kim McLaughlin at the BEAT (Borough of Ealing Art Trail) exhibit at St John's Church, West Ealing in September 2017.

Borough of Ealing Art Trail