
Edward Hopper, "Second Story Sunlight," 1960
A sunny anachronism smiles here
Devoid of melanoma's whispering
No dermatologist’s warning, severe
Darkly shades this innocent sun bathing

Remember when the sun was more benign?
Making warm caramel of pale, cold flesh
When galaxies of freckles were a sign
Of hot adventure and a spirit fresh?

A nimbus of naïve pleasure glowed then
From bodies blessed by vitalizing light
To bathe is to become the denizen
Of a soap bubble world, scrubbed clean and bright

How wholesome and pristine this lost world was
Rays were caught there without question or pause
About the Creator
D. J. Reddall
I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab


Comments (8)
Great piece, D.J.! Really loved “ When galaxies of freckles were a sign Of hot adventure and a spirit fresh”
A gorgeous look back to a simpler time ☺
The idea of the sun making "warm caramel of pale, cold flesh" evokes a longing for a simpler time when the sun was embraced without fear, and "galaxies of freckles" symbolising carefree adventures. I really enjoyed this, DJ!
So much has changed now, sadly. Loved your poem!
Deftly done. You've created a sonnet which is like the Technicolour films of the sixties in its essence and strongly evokes the summer of my childhood. "Making warm caramel" - what an image.
Wow, gorgeous descriptions!
yes, the good ol' days! all is changed. A nimbus of naïve pleasure glowed then - fabulous.
I remember such a time……such a lovely use of words.