Shadows of Light

Posted on by Robert Eck

Continuing on The Ekphrastic Journey described in my last post, I immerse myself into a painting entitled “Open All Night,” which I cannot reproduce for copyright reasons.  

It depicts an urban scene, showing attached three-story apartment buildings, set back from the street, with an intervening wide sidewalk.  The first floor facades sport festive holiday lights on tree and bush at night.  One building houses a neighborhood liquor store with Yule decorations, festooning the windows and door, awash in a bright second floor neon sign, exuding an eerie glow in an otherwise sleepy environs.  The title suggests that the bright neon sign stays lit throughout the night, in contrast to the joyful season decorations. 

Indoor lighting shine through the pulled curtains of some of the windows, whereas others remain dark, the residents either away or asleep, shades lowered or curtains pulled to block the annoyance of the intruding glare.  A sole pedestrian walks past the liquor store window, holding a small brown bag, presumably a yule-tide refreshment to take back home to one of the apartments.  

Indeed, the painting evokes many themes and thoughts, which would lead to a myriad of poems.  Is it happy or sad, pleasing or annoying?  Below is my ekphrastic journey describing the visual artwork.         

Shadows of Light

A Yule night adorned with
String light decorations
On tree, bush and window,
Adding joy to the street.

Offset by neon glare
From a liquor store sign,
Invading the festive
Air with an eerie glow.

Soft Indoor light beams
Through apartment shades,
Drawn to shield the dweller
From the intrusive blare.

While other window frames
Remain dark, presenting
A checkerboard facade
Gleaming in fluorescence.

A lone figure walks past
The liquor store window,
Toward one of the dark rooms,
With a brown bag in hand,

To celebrate the Yule,
Or to dampen the pain
Of living a dull life,
In the shadows of light?

33 thoughts on “Shadows of Light”

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