A Gallery of Poems
An Anthology of Poems by Students
Poets in the Galleries A Gallery of Poems
An Anthology of Poems from Poets in the Galleries
A program of the Education Department at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Edited by devorah major
Fall 2001–Spring 2002 Copyright © 2003 Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco All rights reserved
Cover photograph: Paris Opera, 1924, Oskar Kokoschka. Bequest of Mrs. Ruth Haas Lilienthal.
The Poets in the Galleries program and this publication were made possible by The Mary Harrison Fund.
Additional funding was provided by the California Arts Council.
For more information about Poets in the Galleries at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco contact: Jeannine L. Jeffries, Assistant Director of Education California Palace of the Legion of Honor Lincoln Park, 100 – 34th Avenue San Francisco, CA 94121-1693 415 / 750-3640 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.thinker.org
Harry S. Parker III, Director Book design: Elaine Joe Printing: Coast Litho TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 Introduction
6 About the Program
7 Special Thanks
California Palace of the Legion of Honor
9 Decorative Arts of Europe
31 European Paintings
67 Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
71 Special Exhibition: Masterworks of New Guinea Art: Selections from the Marcia and John Friede Collection
80 About the Poet INTRODUCTION ■ 4
INTRODUCTION
WELCOME TO THE California Palace of the Legion of Honor’s Gallery of Poems. I encourage you to go through it as you would tour through the museum. Just as in any gallery some pieces will make you stop and linger for a long time, others will encourage you to stay and ponder how you feel about the piece, and you will inevitably pass by others only to return on a future visit, won- dering how you had missed that particular work the first time around. Over twenty five-hundred poems were created by the participants in the Poets in the Galleries program in the fall of 2001 and the spring of 2002. The hundred or so poems in this volume are certainly the best of the best. However, I could have created an anthology three times as large and had the same high quality of poetics and perception. Sadly, I was again forced to leave out more excellent poems than I could include. As I was selecting the poems, returning again and again to this folder or that poem, I found myself consis- tently amazed and re-amazed at the depth these students could show in only two ses- sions at the museum. With one or two group poems under their belts, and perhaps one 5 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
practice poem hastily scribbled on their pads, a 5th-grader, becomes the painting and asks I let the students tour the galleries and find Jan-Frans van Dael to “Paint me silk petals one piece of art that called to them. I encour- of life and beauty,” I am invited to look at a aged them to use visual art devices that were favorite painting from a new perspective. I also poetic devices: perspective, texture, had to listen to the Guarnerius violin as 11th- form, and imagery to form a relationship grader Lorena Leite did before she imagined between themselves and the art. As you will the relationship the violin had with its player see, some became the art, some became the and penned, “Her maple complexion shines, painter, some climbed inside the painting or glows and loves him,” carefully sculpting the sculpture, and some wrote as omniscient graceful shape of the violin in her poem’s viewer. Some embraced the challenge of form form and content. Although I have over these and content, and like the visual art they years spent an aggregate of days standing in engaged, created a balance between the two. front of most of these paintings, sculptures, In my seven years of working with the and artifacts, although I may have had hun- Fine Arts Museums, one of my recurring dreds of young people compose a group pleasures is to have a young person’s poem poem about a particular sunset or describe make me look more closely at a painting that the beauty of a specific gallery without using I had repeatedly passed by or one that had the word beauty, when I read a particularly grown too familiar. When 8th-grader Max vibrant poem, I must again seek out the Snelling writes, “His lips needing nothing poem’s object of inspiration which has been more than to be kissed,” I found myself seek- made fresh by the images the student evokes. ing out the painting of Paul Mounet to see I invite you to experience the galleries through the vulnerability that Max saw in the por- young people’s eyes, to see what they found trait. When 4th-grader, Nate Gilchrist “tastes compelling, important, amusing, humbling, the crispness of the wind” I am encouraged and majestic in this Gallery of Poems. to go back to the Cabin on a Hill and see devorah major what flavors I might savor. When Rita Tam, Poet and Editor ABOUT THE PROGRAM ■ 6
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
FEW PROGRAMS offered in museums poetry sessions, but the students choose the relate the language arts to the visual arts. objects that will be the subjects of their poems. However, through a poetry program, stu- They are given ample time to look, think, dents can enhance their verbal and written and reflect while writing their poems and at skills while learning about and viewing actual the end of the poetry session are encouraged objects. Students learn to communicate about to read their poems aloud to the class. visual art through the literary art form of During the academic year 2001-2002, poetry, and in so doing they create their own students learned about the works of art from personal interpretation of the subjects of their the permanent collection of European paint- poems. ings and decorative arts at the Legion of To this end, the Fine Arts Museums Honor; viewed highlights from the perma- have presented since 1987 the Poets in the nent collection of art from Africa, Oceania, Galleries program to students in the fourth and the Americas; and toured the special through twelfth grades. Each poetry session exhibition entitled Masterworks of New is one-and-a-half hours long and each class Guinea Art: Selections from the Marcia and visits the museum twice. The specific goals of John Friede Collection. the program are to introduce students to the With this edition we are resuming the visual arts in the museum through an inter- printing of the annual poetry anthology. The disciplinary approach that includes looking, anthology may have been gone for a few observing, learning about art objects and years but it was never forgotten. Illustrated poetic styles, and listening to and reading with photographs of the works of art in the poems. The program also gives students the Museums, the poetry anthology highlights the opportunity to meet and work with an actual creative spirit and enthusiasm of these Bay poet, devorah major. She selects the area or Area young people. areas of the museum to be used during the Jeannine L. Jeffries Assistant Director of Education August 2002 7 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
SPECIAL THANKS
I MUST OFFER thanks to many people insights into particular pieces, especially in for the success of this volume. I know that in the New Guinea collection; and those guards, these days it is popular to find short-comings who in gentle and considerate ways helped and deficiencies in our schools or teachers, the students to be responsible visitors to the our children, our community organizations. Legion of Honor. I want to give my sincere Perhaps I simply see the cream of the cream, thanks to the Museums’ education depart- or perhaps there is indeed more hope than ment, especially Jeannine Jeffries, Assistant many would believe. I thank the committed Director of Education, who is constantly teachers who brought their polite and pre- helping me smooth out rough spots and find pared classes to the museum, as well as the solutions to various problems. I am also parents and teacher aides who helped with grateful to the book’s graphic designer, who discipline and spelling, and helped to ensure worked through the challenge of the students’ positive and productive student participation. concrete poems with aplomb and skill. I also thank the docents, who continue to Finally, my largest thanks go to the students, give me ideas on new ways to present a who opened themselves up to the art and to painting or an art era; the volunteers, who themselves and wrote with passion, intelli- helped young people and their chaperones to gence, humor, and sensitivity. Thank you one enjoy the museum more fully; the curators and all! and curatorial assistants, who gave me d.m.
PARTICIPATING TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
Alamo Elementary, San Francisco: Margaret Ames Bolinas-Stinson Elementary, Bolinas: Andrea Parker Brandeis-Hillel Day School, San Rafael: Maria Seward Cabrillo Elementary, San Francisco: Kathy Kozuch Clarendon Elementary, San Francisco: Renee Theriault, Rusty Pendrey Crystal Springs Upland, Hillsborough: Elizabeth Miller El Granada Elementary, Half Moon Bay: Susan F. Hatfield Enola D. Maxwell Middle School of the Arts, San Francisco: Robin Brasso SPECIAL THANKS ■ 8
Foster City Elementary, Foster City: Julie Sitton Guadalupe Elementary, San Francisco: Ben Eiseman Havens Elementary, Piedmont: Joan Twohy, Gretchen Schnitzer H. J. Kaiser Elementary, Oakland: Jill F. Reese Kittredge School, San Francisco: Emily K. Evison Jefferson Elementary, San Francisco: Loret Peterson, Carolyn Ann Weiss Leadership High School, San Francisco: Laura Putnam, Eve Gordon Leonard R. Flynn Elementary, San Francisco: Maria J. Blanco Marin Home Educational Cooperative, Mill Valley: Carol B. Cann Marin School, Albany: Casey Hoosier, Christine Julian Meadows Elementary, Millbrae: Kathleen Lynch Museum Ambassador Program, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Napa Adventist Junior Academy, Napa: Janet Wright Ocean Shore School, Pacifica: Patricia McNally Ohlone Elementary, Palo Alto: Marry Bussmann, June Fuji Old Mill Elementary, Mill Valley: Erin Lyons, Linda Tanguay Park Elementary, Mill Valley: Danielle Ross, Rod Septka Presidio Hill, San Francisco: Lisa Jeli R. L. Stevenson Elementary, San Francisco: Libbie Schock Rooftop Elementary, San Francisco: Ann Henry, Richard Mattson St. Brendan Elementary, San Francisco: Sister Christine Ostrowski St. Isabella Elementary, San Rafael: Kathleen Adams St. John’s Elementary, San Francisco: Joan F. Andres St. Stephen’s Elementary, San Francisco: Barbara Conti, Gina Zarich St. Thomas More, San Francisco: Evelyn Trauner, Zodine Spiegel Sonora Elementary, Sonora: Kelli Noteman, Susan Walter Stuart Hall for Boys, San Francisco: Dennis Estrada Town School for Boys, San Francisco: Pam Abendroth Vallemar School, Pacifica: Retta L. Guel William deAvila Elementary, San Francisco: Donna Lee Windrush Elementary, El Cerrito: Nicola Berlinsky 9 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Decorative Arts of Europe DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 10
e k i h s like T s is loving one another. The kiss is like holding one another in case of fear and hate. Love one another. The shape of a man and woman mak- ing love peace, so their parents won’t fight over their love.
Aofia Kiliona 7th grade, Enola D. Maxwell Middle School
The Kiss, ca.
1886, Auguste
Rodin. Gift of
Alma de
Bretteville
Spreckels. 11 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Auguste Rodin,
ca. 1900, Camille
Claudel. Gift of
Alma de
Bretteville
Spreckels.
The dark gloomy face appearing from a shadow. The melody in his eyes brings darkness to his soul. The bottom of his face unrolling in the night. His back curled up in a ball. He sees the world different from the way we do. He does not feel the emotions that we do. He is trapped all alone.
Yana Shekhter 5th grade, Jefferson Elementary DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 12
Equestrian
Statue of
Charles III, ca.
1762, Attributed
to Tommaso
Solari. Mildred
Anna Williams
Collection.
You are riding brave and mighty Head raised, shoulders high Brave, powerful, moving forward Cloak flowing Horse as strong, tail flying Holding your scepter Riding forward
Toby Hollis 5th grade, Havens Elementary 13 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Head of Pierre de Wiessant, from The
Burghers of
Calais, 1885-1886,
Auguste Rodin.
Gift of Adolph B.
Spreckels, Jr.
Face tortured by the future, lips trembling with fear. Eyes filled with tears, hands closed, trying to hold it back. Forehead worried
. D and face dirtied. y r a ea d d to ing g to ivin morrow and forg
Pablo Vasquez 11th grade, Leadership High School DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 14
Violin, ca. 1740, Italy, Giuseppe Antonio Guarneri (del Gesù). Bequest of Jascha Heifetz.
As someone plays me a wonderful sound comes from my heart A sweet sound, a soft sound I provide all those sounds For happy people, sad people who are in need of a cheerful tune I am a violin, a violin
Amy Williams 4th grade, Presidio Hill 15 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
The chilling wind encircles him, frozen by the warm image of his beloved violin. She poses like a goddess. Her lovely face surrounded by mahogany tendrils, but shaded. The gas lamp shines on the curves of her hips and accentuates the slope of her waist. Her maple complexion shines, glows and loves him. He wants to touch her, feel her, caress her with his hands, his lips, his voice, for she is his soul, his reason for being. The wind wraps back around him and steals him away for she is the siren he can never possess. Lorena Leite 11th grade, Leadership High School DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 16
The Spanish Ceiling,
15th century, Spain.
Gift of Mrs. Richard
Ely Danielson and
Mrs. Chauncey
McCormick.
THE GOLDEN CEILING
The florescent golden color glimmers in the light. The golden color fills room.
THE SPANISH CEILING
The glistening moving color of gold -en rod appears brilliant
autumn leaves The golden middle seeps through seeps middle golden The come to life peaceful, graceful the room like magic and looks right into your eyes. wings in the sun glitter Scott Ford 4th grade, Marin School Eric Tran 5th grade, Havens Elementary 17 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
The room gleaming with dim light. But even that is enough to see in your heart. balls set up The great in the
Louis XV Period
Room, 1735-1740, secret and heart burning room. You can see the smeared figures France. Roscoe moving to the peaceful sounds and Margaret of joy. The deer, the boar, Oakes Collection. and the colors and light. of music
The peace, the war all combined in a single little room. The chandelier is giving streams of light like a river. Dividing into peaceful streams, and everything. The sights, the music and the souls trapped in one beautiful mysterious room.
Jane Shtalenkova 4th grade, St. Thomas More DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 18
Eve, ca. 1881,
Auguste
Rodin. Gift of
Alma de
Bretteville
Spreckels. 19 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
EVE STANDING HERE
My arms held tightly together I am Never to part, never to open standing In fragile balance here, naked nothing to I stand angelically, but trembling. shield Shatter... me, nothing to I am scared hide me, nothing For what, I don’t know to protect me. I am standing Who knows the mystery here naked of my sorrow, pain, grief... feeling fright alone For who I don’t know. and useless. There is no- Shatter... thing to do to see. Why By my hand, I push the darkness aside, are you there trying my best to pull the light within just looking My eyes drowned in tears of sadness at me? What filled with confusion and fright. do you want to say? I know Shatter... you want to criticize My worries have taken over me and judge. My thoughts have begun to confuse me But look One wrong move and I shall fall at you just I fall... standing there I shatter... looking at me standing here.
Ashley Amruil Karloina Pestryal 8th grade, St. Thomas More 11th grade, Leadership High School DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 20
Inspired by
Dalmatic, 1565, Spain. Gift of Inspired by Mrs. Herbert Fleishhacker. Necklace and Pendant,
19th century, Tyrol,
Austria. Gift of Miss I WISH TO WEAR YOU Sarah M. Spooner. You are a sparkling red robe. I want to put you on. The face on you looks like THE NECKLACE he is thinking, writ- ing. I wonder if he is Glistening lonely missing friends like the or family. Sparkling gold stars reflected trim. Your shape is like a off the cross. I wish to wear you. water each jewel telling Coulter Kunzel its own 4th grade, Town School for Boys story like red and pale tears RED ROBE waiting to leap off Thick rich folds of ruby red velvet its owner’s surround the borders of golden neck tapestry. Shimmering flowers blossom in Alexander Ting the bright sun light. 6th grade, Crystal Springs Upland Blue-gold dragons angrily clutch into twisting vines.
Lauren Higley 4th grade, Marin School 21 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Reaching up to the sky Muscles bulging Fingers groping Searching for something Not knowing what it is A shiny mass of black so strong Great and powerful hand
Clark Steward The Mighty 5th grade, H. J. Kaiser Elementary
Hand, by 1906,
Auguste Rodin.
Gift of Alma de
Bretteville
Spreckels. DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 22
Victor Hugo,
ca. 1917,
Auguste Rodin.
Anonymous gift.
A man in the mountain Like a colored pearl So mysterious So powerful Yet weak and sad VI Old man do not cry CTOR In the mountain HUGO You live so high Gone A gentle face looks down upon me. Stephen Wallace So gentle, so innocent, I 5th grade, can feel his eyes connecting Ohlone Elementary with mine. He guides me, he shows me the way. How can he stand in such a rocky rough place with a heart so smooth and so pure. I look at his sorrow and sad eyes and wonder was he here, where I’m standing. When I wonder I think he will always be my wise one.
Julia Anaya 5th grade, Clarendon Elementary 23 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Pair of Ewers,
ca. 1700,
China/France.
Gift of Archer
M. Huntington.
The sea bound creatures appall me with their putrid blue skin. The violet and gold disgusts me. The brilliant swirls and spirals of porcelain. Where’s the line between brilliance and disgust? This is a question they can’t answer. Only the artist and the viewer can say.
They just sit there like a statue of their own brilliant disgust.
Miles Tune 7th grade, Bolinas-Stinson Elementary DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 24
CHANDELIER
Icy cold frozen tears suspended in time...Glistening, shimmering jewels dancing in the warm glow of the night
Adam Boggeri 4th grade, St. Isabella Elementary
Chandelier, ca.
1750, France.
Roscoe and
Margaret Oakes
Collection. 25 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Little rainbows captive in a glass prison like baby birds anxious to sing. Glistening like pearly water before a lone pebble is cast. Diamond teardrops silently running down the face of every human being. It A world with star rivers, ice and shines rainbows. Sugar candy to the like the sun. mind of a hungry child. Big shiny crystal Sunrise, sunset. Proud shine everywhere. Crys- stately. Time is tals are shaped like big pret- Frozen ty flowers. Teardrops shaped Frozen like rain drops. Crystal bowls Frozen shaped to hold a candle. Can- Frozen dles are in bowl so shiny it is too bright to look at. Natalie Johnson 5th grade, Old Mill Elementary Oh how I wish I was as pretty as that crystal.
Christine Duenas 5th grade, St. John’s Elementary DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 26
SILVER
See me glimmer Pair of Candelabra, Polished 1811, Paul Storr. Silver rolling my three intricate arms. By night I cradle Museum purchase, holding tight four candles Roscoe and burning bright. Margaret Oakes By day I stand proud and tall Income Fund. patterns of leaves and glamorous roses adorn my body, for I am a candelabra.
Sarah Emory 5th Grade, Old Mill Elementary 27 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Snuff Box, 1755-1756, Jean George. Gift of Archer M. Huntington.
Brass g ing old waves float Swe ide et melodies ins agine forest g den I im reen pill s hid I ow am fa ng Sweet h lli rls oney calm swi Danc , ing, open, free MY BOX
Morgan Thompson 5th grade, Park Elementary DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 28
PRICKET
p
L l a
i heavy
f t
f
t i o
n r g m s
to make the shape
into a pyramid
Pricket, struggling Yet they early 16th are century,
Italy. Gift of
Samuel H.
to lift each other. Kress
Sadly they have to Foundation.
s
s u
t f
a f
y o
c t a
h suffering
t
e i r e ng
Michael Botello 4th grade, Marin School 29 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Look closely To see my many parts Each figure has a story Each crack has meaning of its own One under the other Towering Turning THE TOWER We hold each other up Men struggle Strength The to keep their comrades safe and beauty Tower But the structure Muscles lifting of mankind holds itself Hearts are beating Ebony shining through the light And the black legs of strength and beauty Reaching for what has not Hannah Jones been discovered 8th grade, Uncovering some- St. Brendan Elementary thing everyday Reaching above all darkness and searching for the light that will please the soul that wants darkness and fears to go away
Lynn Bagley 7th grade, Bolinas Stinson Elementary Eric Andrews 5th grade, Old Mill Elementary DECORATIVE ARTS OF EUROPE ■ 30
FROM THE HEART
Sculpt me with power Sculpt me as one Sculpt me with passion Sculpt me without colors, just mind Sculpt me as myself, no other Sculpt me with diversion Sculpt me, myself from the heart
Jonathan Kopf 6th grade, Sonora Elementary
The Orator, 1933 or
1934, Pablo
Picasso. Museum
purchase, Roscoe
and Margaret
Oakes Income Fund
and Trust Fund. 31 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
European Paintings EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 32
Her gleeful smile enchants my thoughts Her tawny hair flows gently to her waist She is beautiful I want to meet her Her rosy cheeks bring out her lips She looks like she’s dancing This beautiful girl
Madison Killen 5th grade, El Granada Elementary
Who is she I wonder How beautiful she is with curly brown hair down her lovely skin I love her dress very much Hyacinthe Gabrielle It’s made with lovely red silk Roland, later Marchioness She looks so happy with ruby red cheeks Wellesley, 1791, Elizabeth I feel like I am in there with her Louise Vigée Le Brun. Who is she I wonder Mildred Anna Williams Collection and Bequest
Winifred Dow funds of Henry S. Williams. 5th grade, Foster City Elementary 33 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
His formal wear cigar in hand He has no worries relaxed yet tough His brown hair flows freely His lips needing nothing more than to be kissed
Max Snelling 8th grade, St. Thomas More
Paul Mounet (?), ca. 1875,
Louis-Maurice Boutet de
Monvel. Museum purchase,
Art Trust Fund and Mr. and
Mrs. Vernon J. McKale Fund. EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 34
Still Life with Violin,
Sheet Music, and a
Rose, 1870, François
Bonvin. Museum
purchase, Grover A.
Magnin Bequest Fund. 35 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
The mahogany violin rests quietly in hopes it will be used again
Aging fire rose drops its petals Inspired by
Strings still warm and vibrant Snow Effect, Damvillers,
Sadness sweeps over it all in the end ca. 1882, Jules Bastien-Lepage.
I reach out so that I may bring it back to life Museum purchase, Grover A.
Magnin Bequest Fund. Scott Wardell 8th grade, St. Stephen’s Elementary
DARK DOOM
Paint me with the dark THE LONELY, SILENT VIOLIN on my hills I am a silent violin Paint me with the weeds I am a lonely violin blowing in the wind I have music to play Paint me with the angry wind except no one would hear me in my sky I’m a silent violin Paint me with the darkness There’s a rose beside to make me feel better in my clouds but it makes me feel worse because Paint me with the fire I’m a lonely silent violin in my horizon Paint me with the anger Brett Fornells that I show 5th grade, Meadows Elementary Kelly Hallisy 5th grade, St. Stephen’s Elementary EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 36
The dog he is determined determined to get Pointer and the partridge. Partridge in a
The partridge is Landscape, ca. determined 1740, Jean-Baptiste determined Oudry. Gift of to fly Phebe Cowles. away determined to live.
Kistian Mondahl 5th grade, El Granada Elementary 37 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
A View on
Hampstead Heath A NEW WORLD with Harrow in the Distance, n.d., John Look out on to the shining of the rocks, Constable. Bequest of the trees, the birds, life so free, so real. Whitney Warren, Jr. Look at this world that is known to you and to me a child’s dreamland. Look now at the boulders, high and low. Look through the eyes of me.
Alex Pezzola 5th grade, St. Stephen’s Elementary EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 38
Masada (or Sebbeh)
on the Dead Sea, 1858,
Strong winds blowing Edward Lear. Museum The hot red sun on my back purchase, Grover A. I sit in silence on a cliff Magnin Bequest Fund. Wanting to leave, not knowing how I can see the cool blue water In the distance
Rachael Klein 8th grade, St. Stephen’s Elementary 39 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
The Coast of
Aegina, 1867,
Frederic, Lord Calm the sea, the endless sea.
Leighton. As I watch over the cool blue water.
Museum I wait. Fog bounds in. I try to see but I can’t. purchase, Grover I feel the grass under my scraped feet. I feel the cool breeze. I hear the waves crash. A. Magnin I see nothing. Bequest Fund. I taste the salty air. I free myself of the fog. I start to walk then stop. The fog takes hold of me. I’m frozen from the icy finger tips.
Mott Schweitzer 5th grade, Park Elementary EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 40
Woman Playing
the Viola de
Gamba, 1663,
Gabriel Metsu.
Roscoe and
Margaret Oakes
Collection.
VIOLA DE GAMBA
Sitting here with only my viola waiting and waiting for nothing looking up at the sky and thinking thinking about music and dancing thinking about me and death thinking about life
Emily Barmore 5th grade, Rooftop Elementary 41 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Inspired by
The Wave, 1860, Gustave Courbet.
Lent by Mrs. Prentiss Cobb Hale.
I see cool misty waves I feel the cold wind running against my face I see the red and white vanilla sky through my eyes The sun is covered with lots of clouds The waves begin to get angry Portrait of a Gentleman, ca. 1779-1782, as the wind blows hard and harder Joseph-Siffred Duplessis. Mildred Anna Williams Collection. Shacaree Sears 4th grade, Leonard R. Flynn Elementary Serious The interrupted man is unwelcoming He looks away from me And sits in his soft, fluffy chair Then smiles at me A small sweet smile.
Reuben Bosch 4th grade, Napa Adventist Junior Academy EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 42
The Thunderstorm, 1641, Jon van Goyen. Birds flying away to safety Museum purchase. Far away from the crashing waves The sky darkening as the storm rolls along Sail boats fighting to pull into shore The wind is howling a long, long howl.
Josie Marks-McQuade 4th grade, Windrush Elementary 43 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Still Life with In the awkwardness of silence Peacock, Rabbit Animals lay still and Spaniel, ca. A dog looks at the dead animals 1660-1669, Melchior A gruesome and awful sight d’Hontecoeter.
Museum purchase,
Jaysen Parmar William H. Noble 5th grade, Foster City Elementary Bequest Fund. EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 44
Cabin on a Hill,
n.d., Jacob van
Ruisdael. Jacob
Stern Permanent
Loan Collection.
The wind slices through the open windows Sending a chill throughout the dark lonely cabin Dark clouds signal a storm is coming I feel sad. I taste the crispness of the wind The purple blue skies swirl in a blur of color I hear leaves crunching under my feet I wish I could go home.
Nate Gilchrist 4th grade, Town School for Boys 45 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
The Assuaging
of the Waters,
1840, John
Martin. Museum
purchase,
Whitney Warren,
Jr. Fund.
DEEP BLUES
Swishing water against the hard rock Crashing, exploding with great force Waves crashing upon the rocks Big waves like the sunset A dove looks for things to do The light reflection off the water A crow hunts for food makes it look like another world Calm skies Whispering pink clouds Dylan Crist 4th grade, Ocean Shore School Shawn Camarao 5th grade, Jefferson Elementary
Calm sunset over white foaming waves Smooth pink, bright sun reflecting over blue, foaming waves crashing against hard, rough rocks with dove perching
Shiloh Albrechts 4th grade, Sonora Elementary EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 46
River View of Nijmegen with the Valkhof, 1648, Let the light shine on me Salomon van Ruysdael. Let the clouds capture sunlight to make me radiant Gift of the Samuel H. Let the light make the water shimmer with joy Kress Foundation. Let a light rain come to make my hills green Let me be beautiful again.
Alex Higueras 8th grade, St. Brendan Elementary 47 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
The Singel,
Amsterdam,
1697, Gerrit
Berckheyde.
Mildred Anna
Williams
Collection.
The beautiful sight makes me want to never leave I can not take me eyes off the beauty I can not blink I can not move I can see a full street of houses, a harbor, a church All are beautiful If I take my eye off the sight I’ll be sad forever and ever
Alex Lee 4th grade, Stuart Hall for Boys EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 48
I feel jolly. Hot pink roses drop onto the floor. A golden sunflower shines in the darkroom. A butterfly seems to find a way into the room. It starts sipping nectar. I see myself touching the soft silky petals.
Joanna Bustamante 4th grade, Guadalupe Elementary
Flowers in a
The silver shiny vase blinds me with its beauty. Silver Vase, n.d., The smell of the pink roses is delightful. Willem van Aelst.
The orange butterflies are calling for me. Gift of Dr. and
The blue ribbon is silky smooth as it touches my hand. Mrs. Hermann
The purple flowers are gentle with grace. Schuelein.
Karianne Lew 5th grade, Cabrillo Elementary 49 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
You must feel the love of a daughter The pull on your heart when she walks in a room A feel of hopelessness when she is sad Admiration and awe of her You must feel the hate of a daughter The pain in your soul The heat in your cheeks Then you can truly paint our
La Comtesse de Morel-Vindé relationship and Her Daughter, 1799,
Baron François-Pascal-Simon Kaija Cummings 7th grade, Kittredge School Gérard. Museum purchase,
Mildred Anna Williams
Collection and William H. Noble
Bequest Fund. EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 50
Forest of Fontainebleau, 1867, Virgile Narcisse Diaz sun peeping through the trees de la Peña. Gift of David dark green all over and Jeanne Carlson. wind whistling through the trees I wish I could help a thousand trees grow higher, higher.
Casey Sully 4th grade, Windrush Elementary 51 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
The sun glimmers through the trees The wind blows softly as I slowly walk through the forest As I step forward I hear the colorful leaves crunching under my feet The leaves blow off the trees I stop walking. It is silent. All around me are colors All different in a way Kaia Morrow It is so quiet 4th grade, Marin School I think I will stay forever I like to hear the pitter patter of the deer’s hooves and the feeling of a dewy morning
To paint the dark forest Alex Rogers you need trees that never end 4th grade, Clarendon Elementary and leaves of apple-red and ever darkening orange. The branches must be gnarled and the sunlight must be barely seen. It’s always sad and gloomy.
Max Jacobs 5th grade, Rooftop Elementary EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 52
At the Fountain, n.d., Adolph Sad Schreyer. Jacob Great midnight black Stern Family What a smooth brown Loan Collection. I feel the sadness of the horses I can see sadness Nice marine sky I wish I could help them I need joy for them No animal wants to go to war Stamping into war
Sebastain O. Lewis 4th grade, William deAvila Elementary 53 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Shelter on Montmartre,
ca. 1886, Vincent van
Gogh. Bequest of
Frederick J. Hellman.
THE SILENT COTTAGE
Brightness shines through the air Watermelon trees sway through the wind The silver breeze cottage is silent and still The wind howls to me as if it were a wolf The sky sings to me The Shelter on Montmarte is silent and still
Amy Lee 5th grade, Meadows Elementary EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 54
Snow Scene at Eragny, ca. 1884, Glittering snow, sparkling plains Camille Pissarro. The cool flowing air doesn’t hear me Gift of Renée M. Sad trees, dancing wind Bransten. Sky full of feathers A blanket has covered everything
Dario Sotskova 5th grade, Foster City Elementary 55 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Water Lillies, ca.
1914-1917, Claude
Monet. Mildred Anna
Williams Collection.
Happy The blue ripples gently There is utter calm except for the scratch of my pen I want to toss pebbles across the pool The lilies invite me in I accept, I accept.
Meghna Dholakia 5th grade, Ohlone Elementary EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 56
Flowers before a Window, 1789, Jan-Frans van Dael. Mildred Anna Williams Collection. 57 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Paint me the table of shine from the window Paint me silk petals of life and beauty Paint me the beauty of Breeze peeking through a window the outside of an open window Rainbow of flowers bending, stretching, Paint me where you see me standing tall, exploding looking my best Sweet fragrance in the air Paint me the light breeze Ladybug resting, thinking... blowing gently on my colors At the end, a treasure of four eggs Paint me the bright colors nestled in a nest that match the sunset on a garden which rained Carlo Parra from a rainbow 4th grade, Vallemar School
Rita Tam 5th grade, R. L. Stevenson Elementary
I see the nature and life of everything around me. I hear the calm whisper of the river beside me. I have the urge to touch the soft velvet petals of the bright flowers. I can taste the cool wind coming from the high mountains. I love the flowers before my window.
Yvonne Lirette 5th grade, St. Isabella Elementary EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 58
Forest Interior, ca.
1898-1899, Paul
Cézanne. Mildred Anna
Williams Collection. 59 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
To paint this picture you must feel the breeze blowing against the trees To paint this picture you must see the misty blue living in the sky To paint this picture you must see the tree branches bend against the wind To paint this picture you must look how the grass in the ground moves like waves.
Kevin Fan 5th grade, R. L. Stevenson Elementary
I am the tree you see and paint. The forest of minty pine. Rocky terrain The howling wind that flows Tall strong graceful trees spring out of into a deep sleep. hard packed dark orange earth The swaying branches of shade. Smooth colorful rocks invite me to rest The jagged rocks of fear. I lie in the dark sunlight and feel protected I am the forest of beauty. I reach out and touch the tree The bark is smooth and warm Emma Cornwell I hear birds singing in the distance 5th grade, Rooftop Elementary But where I am it is quiet
Josselyn Butler 8th grade, Marin Home Educational Cooperative EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 60
Grand Canal,
Venice, 1908,
Claude Monet. Gift of Osgood Hooker. 61 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
HOW TO DRAW A TEMPLE
First you glide through the calm rainbow of the still waters and before you is a palace of wonders. As you go by the purple gleams at you. The cool colored flag pole guides you to a sanctuary of romance. The sky is happy and bright emerald and sapphire and it’s like heaven so your spirit is free as you glide through the water of the rainbow.
Cole Kromer 5th grade, Jefferson Elementary
I appreciate your vagueness Your flowing shy blue green glow Your sad sky blue Your humble violet Your soft playful pink I paddle slowly through your ever changing reflective waters And frolic quickly through your ever winding halls I slowly scale your cream, smooth dome and accept your ever growing brilliance
Gabriel Grossman 5th grade, Old Mill Elementary EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 62
A cold sheet of steel a deep sleep fiery coldness a piercing sting darkness cold fog a plain state of fear a never ending evil everlasting fear trapped in a deep slumber of nightmares a cold deep ocean of steel
Andrew Miller 4th grade, Ohlone Elementary
From One Night I see a mangled knight in shining armor to Another, 1947, Sharp spikes and twisted metal Yves Tanguy. appear to have no shape Mildred Anna
The sky, off white Williams Collection. has no beginning and no end Traces of red show some form of life.
Miguel Herrera 5th grade, St. John’s Elementary 63 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Still life with Skull,
Leeks and Pitcher,
1945, Pablo Picasso.
Museum purchase,
Whitney Warren Jr.
Fund, in memory of
Mrs. Adolph B.
Spreckels, Grover A
Magnin Bequest
Fund, Roscoe and
Margaret Oakes
Income Fund, and
Bequest of Mr. and
Mrs. Frederick J. I hear its voice ringing in my ears Hellman by I feel inside the picture in a world of inky black darkness exchange. I hear it wail. My heart pounds It screams, I yell Mayhem Sorrow pounds through my veins Swirling rainbows It speaks to me with brilliance, with beauty Reality is chiming her words I smell the fresh scent of blood As I touch the cold skull slowly oozing from it death frowns upon me It feels pained and filled with woe Dark magic I feel death run through its heart All hope gone Julianne Grauel I hear its voice 6th grade, Crystal Springs Upland
Keith Berquist 4th grade, Stuart Hall for Boys EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 64
Paris Opera, 1924, Oskar Kokoschka. Bequest of Mrs. Ruth Haas Lilienthal.
Rushed Conjunction boiling through out the streets The sound of horns beeping repeatedly Blurred The voice of a great opera star like looking at the world howling in the cold nights breeze with teary eyes Buildings shooting up out of the ground Deep grays just like the rising of the sun upon the horizon and purple tints of the sky The gleaming glow of the midnight glaring down Call for a storm on the sidewalk and the endless chirping of crickets through out the night Katie Brigham 5th grade, Park Elementary Andrew Steier 5th grade, Brandeis-Hillel Day 65 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Who is this woman? Who dares to place her foot in my sacred waters She is lustful in her sensuous beauty She ponders her illustrious figure Poised upon the scent of my body She is part of the ocean She is part of the sea The blue depths of my scenery lulls her closer into my grasp She is thinking about what is beneath my dark blue cover
Jonathan Myers 11th grade, Museum Ambassador Program
Dorothy
Spreckels What does the cloud covered angel stare at?
Munn, 1942, Does she not know a world of fantasy lies behind?
Salvador Dali. Can the sky’s magnificent color shine a light
Gift of Mrs. towards the magic that is beyond what she stares at?
Charles A. Has the shine of the water you lay in Munn. guided you to a new place? Does the ocean blue’s calmness relax you?
What does the cloud covered angel stare at? Could it be love or the lover she sought?
Jamal Fahim 8th grade, Kittredge School EUROPEAN PAINTINGS ■ 66
On the Beach, 1908, Joaquin Sorolla y The water laps against the shore Bastida. Gift of Archer Laughter comes from everywhere M. Huntington. Children’s feet sink in the wet sand I feel the ocean’s heart beat against my leg
Katarina Berger 5th grade, Havens Elementary 67 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas ART OF AFRICA, OCEANIA, AND THE AMERICAS ■ 68
Stela, A.D. 761,
Maya. Museum
purchase,
Phyllis Wattis
Purchase Fund. ancient figures dance
Serpents glide through tunnels In patterns, bones rattle bones patterns, In violently
Gods give off stares and gray skies turn black.
Garrett Roseman 5th grade, Park Elementary
69 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
THE SERPENT Quetzalcoatl am I But I take on many shapes I come in one form I am Quetzalcoatl am I
You know me as the serpent I know myself as life I am Quetzalcoatl am I
As she’s Walking through her crowd of people Fearless Dancing I represent no beginnings And I represent no ends with no I am Quetzalcoatl Embarrassment Showing all who she is. Feeling like a I represent That everything Has always been And will always be Goddess With a Eben Dower deadly serpent around her neck 11th grade, Leadership High School With fiery eyes She looks like stone yet so powerful.
Mark Yeghiazarian 5th grade, Foster City Elementary ART OF AFRICA, OCEANIA, AND THE AMERICAS ■ 70
ESU ELEGBA
I am the force and spirit that Causes you to cry, love, hate, yearn Smile, beg and create I am thunder I am rain I am earth I am fire I am nothing without the needs of Men, yet I rule your mind and Your heart
You are power You are grace You are the love I need Yet you are the hate that inspires You create, you destroy For you are ruled by me and I
Figure in Honor Am ruled by you. You created me
of Esu Elegba, But I created you.
18th or 19th Carlton Blackman century, Nigeria. 11th grade, Leadership High School Museum
purchase,
Salinger Fund. 71 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Masterworks of New Guinea Art: Selections from the Marcia and John Friede Collection MASTERWORKS OF NEW GUINEA ART ■ 72
Female figure looking down on all individuals. The woman figure, the welcoming figure. Blessing all who pass her.
Imani Bibbs 5th grade, Jefferson Elementary
I THANK YOU Gable Mask from a
Your big wise eyes staring down at me Ceremonial House, as though telling me I’m welcome into your hut. 20th century. I say thank you for welcoming me in. Museum purchase, You watch me as I enter the door to your enchanted palace. Phyllis Wattis I thank you again for letting me in. Purchase Fund.
Brenna Hagerty 4th grade, Sonora Elementary 73 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Shell of ocean Sea within Red with anger Teeth of pearl Sea tortoise is on your face Crazy with cassowary feathers Dance for death The universe comes for you
Mettlin Hunter 4th grade, Ocean Shore School
Mortuary Mask with Composite PORTAL TO THE SPIRITS Materials, 19th century. Gift of I carry your life upon my shoulders I bare the might of death upon my back Marcia and My power is unmatched John Friede. For I am the portal to the spirit world
Jordan Benjamin 5th grade, Alamo Elementary MASTERWORKS OF NEW GUINEA ART ■ 74
Inspired by
Large Funerary Mask, 19th century. Why are you gaunt and your features Gift of Marcia and John Friede. distorted Your blank eyes can’t see but your face tells a story Why is your tangled and matted hair not brushed You radiate power with unbelievable force Why are your teeth plastered in a toothy grin when you give off the feeling you’re sad You once represented greatness but Now you are a spectacle to all eyes Why, why?
Lexi Kopf 6th grade, Sonora Elementary
I float alone looking through the glass that keeps me captive I float alone looking through the cloud of people Who are you?
Kit Mannion 5th grade, Rooftop Elementary 75 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Your ancient lips tell me stories Your closed eyes shut out all secrets Yet when you open them ancient secrets and battles and stories unknown come swirling out like tidal waves Have you been many places and seen many things? What is life and death? You seem to know no evil I see only good and sadness in your ancient face Portrait Head,
19th century. Gift Sophia Perry of Marcia and 4th grade, Ohlone Elementary John Friede. MASTERWORKS OF NEW GUINEA ART ■ 76
Why do you stare? Where am I, my rough wooden body feels lost and lonely First and alone in an endless world of loss and sorrow I stand alone closing my frightened eyes I stand alone
Chloe Miller 4th grade, Clarendon Elementary
Hook Figure
(yipwon),
19th century.
Museum
purchase,
Phyllis Wattis
Purchase
Fund. 77 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Inspired by
Large Ancestor Pole (bisj), 19th-20th century.
Museum purchase, Phyllis Wattis Purchase Fund.
All three of you stacked one on top of the other So tall it looks as if you could tip over The carvings swirling up your body Your faces looking stern and still So balanced it almost seems you can do anything Your ancestors whispering slowly down to you With your perfect feet and bent legs it seems you’re alive
Laura Walley 4th grade, Vallemar School
Inspired by
Shield with Swirling Faces, 19th century.
Lent by Marcia and John Friede.
I am your protector, your guide I am mighty and powerful Yet, I need your help to lift me My fire eyes see right through men’s might The dazzling colors bring them to a haze in battle I am strong but still tearful when people get killed
Emily Vuong 5th grade, Alamo Elementary MASTERWORKS OF NEW GUINEA ART ■ 78
How does the reptile skin make that Inspired by thundering noise? Drum with Large How can anyone make such a beautiful
Face, 19th century. black body and carve the amazing designs into you?
Lent by Marcia and Your gorgeous solid black body and your beautiful
John Friede. thundering noise makes me want to be you. Ooh, thundering black drum.
Michael Inonye Let me play my song 4th grade, Clarendon Elementary Come, come, play me, bang me Call the spirits of your land Come, come, tap me, rub me Play my beautiful, loud music Come, come, hit me, move me Let me do the job I was brought here to do Come, come play me, bang me, Bang, bang oh how does it feel? tap me, rub me, hit me, I feel the spirit of each man come Move me, let me play my song and bang on me, call for others. Bang, bang oh how does it feel? Alana Ayasse Shapes swirling describing a story 5th grade, H. J. Kaiser Elementary making pictures. Bang, bang oh how does it feel? Deep dark orange and brown snake skin slithering all over. Bang, bang oh how does it feel? Patterns moving slowly asking for other spirits to come.
Alyssa Miller 5th grade, Brandeis-Hillel Day 79 ■ POETS IN THE GALLERIES
Inspired by
Flute Stopper with Figure,
19th century. Gift of Marcia and John Friede.
A man that is very old and has a very long beard. The man has the sound of softness and never to be heard. His knees are very sharp and can never be harmed. He once had hope but never again.
Hoang Chau Truong 5th grade, Cabrillo Elementary
Inspired by
Large Slit Gong,
19th-20th century.
Gift of Marcia
and John Friede.
YOUR SOUND
Will you be there to make a call Will your hollow body be able to save me Sound your sound though call my name Will you still stand mighty and deep Or will your sound be lost forever.
Avery Harrison 5th grade, Havens Elementary ABOUT THE POET ■ 80
ABOUT THE POET: DEVORAH MAJOR
DEVORAH MAJOR is currently Poet for Excellence in Literature. Ms. major’s Laureate of San Francisco. In addition to poems, short stories, and essays have been being a poet she is a performer, lecturer, fic- published in a number of periodicals and tion and creative non-fiction writer, and edi- anthologies. She has also written two “Start tor. A trained actress and former dancer, she to Finish” history books for young people: approaches poetry as both a written and per- Rosa Parks: Freedom Fighter and Frederick forming art. In May 2002 Curbstone Press Douglas: A Hero for All Times (1999). released her second novel (which includes devorah major performs solo, with jazz poetry), Brown Glass Windows, and in the musicians, and as a part of Daughters of Yam fall of 2002 Creative Arts Books, Inc., with Opal Palmer Adisa. Last year her per- released her second solo book of poetry, with formances included an International Poetry more than tongue. She is the recipient of a Festival in Naples, Italy. She was part of the 2002 California Arts Council Spoken Word YMCA’s Writer’s Voice series and a featured Literary Arts Fellowship. This summer performer at University of California, Santa Daughters of Yam (a poetry performance Barbara. In 1999 she was featured in San group with Opal Palmer Adisa) released a Diego’s Border Voices Poetry Festival and jazz poetry CD, The Tongue is a Drum, part of the performance festival Afro Solo VI. under Irresistible/Revolutionary Records and She has also shared her work on radio and opened a multi-media website, www.daugh- television stations in Northern and Southern tersofyam.com. In early 2003 City Lights will California, Southern Connecticut, and release another book of ms. major’s poetry, Atlanta, Georgia. In 2002 she performed in where river meets ocean. In September of New York City at the New School, in the 1995 her first novel, An Open Weave, award- Dodge Poetry Festival, at the University of ed the First Novelist Award by the Black Connecticut, and in a host of bookstores in Caucus of the American Library Association, Northern California, Atlanta, Phoenix, New was released by Seal Press. In March of York, and Southern Connecticut. 1996, Curbstone Press released her first solo Ms. major teaches and performs as book of poetry, street smarts, awarded the poet-in-residence in a number of museum, PEN Oakland 1996 Josephine Miles Award community, and school settings.