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Sad Cinephile

An Ekphrastic Abecedarian

By D. J. ReddallPublished 2 years ago 1 min read
Edward Hopper, "New York Movie," 1939

Attending a film should be delightful

Because a ribbon of dreams unfurls there

Causing the trivial cares of the day

Dramatically to fade and dissolve

Egress from the routine doldrums of life

Found in the theater’s coughing darkness

Gives one a fresh story to read and love

However, it is clear that you have found

Instead of escape and relief, new pain

Just your downcast eyes sadly confirm this

Know that whatever has spoiled this reprieve

Loses its power to distract and harm

Mid the myriad shadows that dance here

Never allow petty cares to pollute

Our secular temple of spectacle

Put all of these grim miseries aside

Quest instead for a better world onscreen

Removed from mundane rules and ugly truths

Seek solace in fantasies brought to life

Tears will dry when your eyes watch phantoms move

Understand that I wish only to save

Viewers from invisible distraction

When you enter the cinema, do so

X-ray your woes: they are no more real than images

You will find displayed on the screen for your pleasure

Zones must remain discrete, and this one is for fun

Ekphrastic

About the Creator

D. J. Reddall

I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.

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    The story invoked strong personal emotions

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Comments (8)

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  • Gerard DiLeo2 years ago

    Well done!

  • Grz Colm2 years ago

    I love the atmosphere created in the above painting. I love the cinema ..I just wish there were more good films released, but I guess their is a decent back catalogue to work through slowly. I also sometimes enjoy seeing old movies on the big screen, but I’ll virtually watch anything. Loved the sentiments here and approach. I want this painting and poem on my wall now. My address is..!

  • "However, it is clear that you have found Instead of escape and relief, new pain Just your downcast eyes sadly confirm this" These lines were my favourite and resonated so deeply with me. Loved your Abecedarian!

  • Hannah Moore2 years ago

    I don't think this cinema shows anything too gritty.

  • Nicely crafted! Brilliant!

  • Rachel Deeming2 years ago

    Mixing things up with a abecedarian, eh? What a picture! So vibrant but sad and still really despite the colour and your poem captures that well.

  • Christy Munson2 years ago

    This one is for fun! And fun it is.

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