Val Bonney and Amanda Whitener

Amanda Whitener
Inspiration piece

Forever Perfect
Val Bonney
Response

There was a standard,
before you left,
of perfection
surpassing all other degrees
of beauty
held to be perfect.

Plump-cheeked flesh
more downy-soft than any peach
and rosebud lips;
eyes almond-shaped and olive-hued.
All Flora’s grace in one small,
flawless visage.

Now,
peachy skin wrinkles and rots; almond eyes
see no more than does an olive stone;
dead rose petals wither,
never to bloom
or taste the morning dew.

But I’ll remember

(not the bruises and scars
made by some other hand –
for they were not you;
merely feral marks of a lesser creature,
unable to thrive, to survive beneath
your breathtaking radiance)

loveliness beyond
what this world can bear.
Though you’re gone, in my heart
and memory
forever perfect you’ll stay.

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8 Comments

  1. Posted September 6, 2010 at 1:35 pm | #

    So deeply moved by “Forever Perfect” by Val Bonney, (especially the bracketed part about the “breathtaking radiance”) And so poignantly illustrated by Amanda Whitener’s portrait.

  2. Posted September 7, 2010 at 9:18 am | #

    Thank you, Clarissa. Actually, Amanda’s photo was the inspiration piece – it certainly gave me food for thought, for which I thank her.

  3. Posted September 7, 2010 at 12:53 pm | #

    wonderful Val, a great poem inspired by a great piece of art. You did her proud
    hugs Angel xxx

  4. Posted September 7, 2010 at 2:49 pm | #

    Haunting, both picture and poem; the words create a sense of love, loss and the choice of memories. Great inspiration, and great response Val.

  5. Posted September 7, 2010 at 4:46 pm | #

    “loveliness beyond
    what this world can bear.”
    the image is rank and disturbing (and this is GOOD because
    i insist that art MOVE me, NOT make me comfortable)
    and the poem makes it worthwhile, like redemption.
    ABSOLUTELY STUNNING, both of you.
    thank you for the work.

  6. Posted September 7, 2010 at 11:20 pm | #

    Extremely powerful and moving work. A very successful partnership!

  7. Posted September 8, 2010 at 6:57 pm | #

    I agree it was a successful partnership! I’m always jealous of those who can put their thoughts into words. It was so interesting to actually READ what someone saw in my work. This was an extremely fascinating and rewarding experience. 🙂

  8. Posted September 11, 2010 at 8:59 am | #

    What an obituary!