If I Could Paint a Portrait – a Love Poem
If I Could Paint a Portrait
If I could paint a portrait
I’d be inspired by many others,
Like Degas’ Yellow Dancer,
And maybe Whistler’s Mother.
If I could paint a portrait
I would paint one just of you,
With Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa smile,
And Van Gogh’s Iris hues.
If I could paint your portrait
It would be a work of art,
Highlighting all your features,
And painted from my heart.
If I could paint your portrait
I would blend the paints with care,
To match your perfect skin tone,
Your eyes, and mouth, and hair.
If I could paint your portrait
I would be a man inspired,
My brush would flow untethered
Showing how much you’re desired.
If I could paint your portrait
It would never be for sale,
Although it would be priceless
And be sought by every male.
If I could paint your portrait
I’d enclose with it this verse,
To explain your special, loving place
Within my universe.
Postscript
This poem follows on from two other earlier romantic verses I wrote for my wife called “If I Could Write a Love Poem” and “How Do I Write a Love Poem.” The former has been recorded as a song and will be released on an album and as a single this year by British/Israeli singer Tally Koren. (These poems can now be found on HubPages)
by John Hansen © 2017
Now I find myself branching out and experimenting with short fiction, and thoroughly enjoying this, especially flash fiction.
I have been fortunate to have two poems made into songs and recorded. The first "On the Road to Kingdom Come" by Al Wordlaw, and the second, "If I Could Write a Love Poem" by award-winning Israeli/British singer Tally Koren.
My services increasingly in demand as a freelance writer and I have ghost-written the text for a number of children's books and educational tutorials.
It has taken me many years of searching and restlessness to realise that my life's passion is to write. It saddens me that I wasted so many years not devoting to that, but thinking positively, the experiences gained over those years are now wonderful material for my stories and poems.
I want to try to bring a new focus on poetry and try to make it appealing to a new generation of young people and those who thought they never liked or understood it before.
- The First Word – A Flash Fiction Story - January 18, 2024
- Dawns Song ~ and Twilight Serenade - December 1, 2023
- Weave Me a Story - June 15, 2023
Beautiful love poem and nicely penned, John. Great work.
Thank you, Phyllis. Your comment is much appreciated as always.
Oh my goodness! What beauty… what gentleness… impeccable! Truly enjoyed this masterpiece, Jodah. My favourite stanza was:
“If I could paint your portrait
It would never be for sale,
Although it would be priceless
And be sought by every male.”
Written with utmost love and care. Loved it, really. And, a vivid image painted by a true artist 🙂
I am humbled by you generous comment, especially the “masterpiece’ label, Surabhi. I am glad you liked that particular stanza, it is one of my favourites too. Thank you, my dear.
I’m always amazed at how much depth your words carry; even without complex terminology or flowery phrasing. Nicely done!
Thank you, Ralph. I know my poetry seems to be much simpler than most and often lacks, as you say “complex terminology,” but I think that is my niche. If I ty to use flowery phrasing and such my poetry tends to appear forced and unnatural, lacking my particular “voice.” I greatly appreciate such a discerning comment by an accomplished poet of romantic verse such as yourself.
A lovely poem with a some wonderful comparisons and if only we could transcend the paint to reach such expression of those famous artists. I nice idea, well penned and evocative. great work John.
I appreciate your generous comment, Tony. Painters and writers are both artists with a lot in common. Most words relevant to one are likewise to the other.
So beautiful John. Each line spoke volumes, a true work of art. ~Paul
Thank you, Paul. That comment is greatly appreciated. Take care.