A Handle – An Ekphrastic Poem – Thursday Doors Writing Challenge #TDWC

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetryTags:,
Image credit: © Dan Antion

Filled in story lines

in mismatched brick,

the past’s ghosted chapters—

once truth’s window frames,

turns silent.

This weathered door

without a handle

nor nom de plume

self –publishes an era’s

hidden novellas

on stone vellum.

*

In response to Dan Antion‘s Thursday Doors Annual Writing Challenge

Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

50 thoughts on “A Handle – An Ekphrastic Poem – Thursday Doors Writing Challenge #TDWC”

  6. This ekphrastic piece is simply extraordinary. Each line chiseled with care, as though the poet is translating weathered architecture into verse. The imagery is haunting and precise: “stone vellum” absolutely took my breath away. What an original and evocative metaphor—it transforms the structure itself into a manuscript, holding stories long imprinted, waiting to be read with the third eye of imagination.

    The door without a handle, the ghosted chapters in mismatched brick—each detail invites us into a space where history and silence collaborate. The poem doesn’t just describe—it listens, and calls us to listen too. To lean in. To feel the narrative pressing up from beneath the surface. These “hidden novellas” ask us to become their interpreters, their co-dreamers.

    It’s a stunning meditation on memory, form, and the sacred act of seeing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love your idea of ‘chiseled care”…brilliant imagery in your excellent insightful perusal of the verse. You are most generous with your humbling appreciation, I am deeply grateful.

      History can tell us many things but only by the artifact (or the lack thereof) in a particular context. Your insight into the “voice” of the house, whispering from its gable…I have stories to tell to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Absolutely Poet, I am in total agreement. And you know what some will have eyes or ears too see or hear and that is fine. Fact, there are a myriad of stories to tell.
        Thank you, your work is a blessing to me.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. “Self-publishes on stone vellum” — wonderful word capture! I’m sure you’re right about the era’s novella, and wouldn’t we love to read it! Handle as nom-de-plume. This is touching and clever all at once. Very nice indeed!

    Liked by 1 person

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