This poem is inspired by Charles de Lint’s book Memory and Dream. The term ‘numena’ refers to non-physical beings who are able to take on form through the act of creation that goes into a painting
Brush
in hand
Stroke
after stroke
Russets
and turpentine
Soft
curves and unyielding lines
Scrutinizing
stance
Followed
by a satisfactory sigh
The
painter leaves the room
Leaving
the masterpiece to dry
Twilight
reveals
That
which reality belies
From
an iridescent canvas
The
painter’s creations comes to life
From
another world
And
a land unknown
Fantastical
beings appear
Bathed
in an unearthly glow
They
alight with silent feet
Only
on silent nights
To
protect their creator
With
all their unearthly might
Adjoined
in spirit
Creations
and their creator
Share
memory and dreams
Fading
as the early rays grow stronger
The
painter awakes
Drowsy
from dream
Memories
of powers outlandish
Far
more real than what fantasy seems
Mounted
on the easel
A
vision that escapes the naked eye
But
aghast is the painter
A
sight too real to deny
The
wondrous nymphs
Painted
the night before
Newly
sprouted wings aflutter
Mystery
increasing evermore
Awakened
by this secret
The
painter is now set free
The
memory of what was a dream
Now
altered to a strange reality
