Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose, by Mary Kay Rummel

​Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose, by Francisco de Zurbaran (Spain) 1633

​Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose 
  
Three ripe lemons reflected 
in a plate of polished pewter --
breast shaped ovals in morning light, 
shadows defined 
by slanted autumn sun on stones.
 
Ancient motifs — the trinity, homages to the virgin --
oranges with blossoms, water in pewter for purity,
the thornless rose, shades of white and tissue pink,
immaculate conception to renaissance viewers.
 
It’s the intensity of colour that draws me,
that curls my fists and fingers,
lemony oil, pocked yet smooth skin.
My mouth tightening at the taste.
 
Round bellied oranges wear deeper shadows, 
as do sinners who bite into fruit.
 
The background, obsidian
colour beyond all colours, living pigment 
created at the back of the brain,
bright as the history of shadows.
Each colour a kaleidoscope 
muted with gothic dark.

 Mary Kay Rummel

Mary Kay Rummel has published eight poetry collections, recently Cypher Garden  from Blue Light Press. Her books have won awards from New Rivers Press, Bright Hill Press and Blue Light Press. She is co-editor of Psalms of Cinder & Silt, poems about experiences with fires California (Solo Novo Press).  A former poet laureate of Ventura County, California she lives in Minneapolis and Ventura.