A Fiery Sonnet

This digital painting depicts a woman-artist, holding a round mirror in one hand and a palette with two brushes in the other. The young lady reflecting in the mirror, her model, is smiling at the painter lovingly.
“Portrait de la jeune fille en feu” by Vasilisa Semiletova

This poem is dedicated to the film “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.” The exquisite digital painting for the sonnet was created by my dearest friend, a talented young artist Vasilisa Semiletova. You can behold her masterpieces here: https://vk.com/elopeople, and don’t hesitate to follow her Instagram!

I paint my dear love in subtle tones
Upon the canvas, luminous and warm.
Before my eyes - stripped to the bare bones -
Her soul ignites, as though about to burn…

"If you observe me, who do I look at?" -
Her question sets my quietude aflame.
"Remember us, beloved, don't regret:
Your portrait glows within a golden frame!"

The years pass: my heart still skips a beat
Whenever it recalls the day she smiled;
I turned around, confessing my defeat,
Forever from the lover's arms exiled.

Alas, her longing gaze did not meet mine,
Enraptured, when I saw her one last time.

17 thoughts on “A Fiery Sonnet

  1. What a fabulous artistic collaboration of you and your friend! If you observe me, who do I look at?” –
    Her question sets my quietude aflame.” this is a pinnacle of the sentiment that makes the rest mute in delightful wonderment. Love the artwork! And of course, your witchcraft of words, Veronica! 😍 thanks for the share! 🦄💍👑

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you for the generous praise, Stephanie! Your thoughtful comments always inspire me to keep writing. It’s an infinite pleasure to indulge in literary witchcraft with you!🔮

      The artist will be delighted to hear your words about her painting. 💙

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  2. I find writing sonnets to be so difficult, but this one is so beautiful and flows so smoothly! I love it so much! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Translating poetry is so hard, I agree! And normally poetry sounds much better in its original language, which makes me wish I knew Russian to read that version… but still, I love it! You’re welcome 🙂

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  3. You speak English really well given it isn’t your native language. When my husband and I visited Russia, we struggled mightily to utter a few words in Russian.

    I was born and raised in Canada, and all of my family still lives there, so I’m wondering where you’re living. Thanks for taking time away from your studies and writing to visit my blog!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Lily! I’m pleased to meet you.

      It it astounding to know you’ve visited Russia. Which city/cities have you been to? Russian is a daunting language, indeed. Even native speakers, like me, frequently make mistakes.😉

      It’s exciting to learn you are Canadian! This is my favourite country, although I’ve only lived there for two years, finalizing my high school studies abroad.

      After graduation, I’ve returned to my hometown, Yekaterinburg, which borders remorseless Siberia and the Ural Mountains. Alas, due to the pandemic, returning to Canada is impossible until January. Fortunately, the University of Toronto offers online courses for the Fall semester, so I’m going to begin my freshman year at home.

      I love your blog and all the writing advice you offer! It’s an excellent initiative, and I’m glad I’ve found your enlightening articles!

      Warmest regards & stay safe✨

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