Albert Anker ‘Girl Braiding Her Hair’ (and reading ) 1887
————
It is the same dreams of yesterday
Held within your chamber of wishes
To ponder the peace, the future day
When pain gives way to surrender
In a discovery of intimate serenity.
———-
You toss your hair and leave yourself
Golden braids bathed in radiant light
Lost within a rhythmic heart of grief
The tedious separating of each yellow strand
Gentle strokes filled with innocence belief
———
Touch the heart of hope
Lost in the fantasy ocean of delight
In a open book of secret treasure
Released from a chain of sadness
The love of tomorrow washed in grace.
———
Written in response to dverse- poets pub and submitted to Poets United – Poetry Pantry
(I love the work of Albert Anker and this is one of my favourite paintings)
Life From A Park Bench 
…both the painting & your words are beautiful… so many to like but i especially love the ending line: love of tomorrow washed in grace… smiles…
somehow this made me think of my grandma..she had long, grey hair and i loved watching her in the evenings when she sat in the kitchen by the fireplace and combed and braided it
nice…love the spiritual nature in this alan…there is a day coming of intimate serentiy when all th etoil of this day will be worth it…you know…and grace, well its just amazing…smiles.
Alan, this is a wonderful poem. Sometimes out of pain does come surrender. We just have to let it go. There is peacefulness in the braiding….and eventually comes the hope…and, yes, the grace as well!
Very contemplative, moody and ultimately hopeful poem!
Beautifully imagined.
Your poem has me wondering – is she reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears or Rapunzel?
She’s lovely… you give her life.
Thank you all for visiting and your comments, it has been a real privilege to share with everyone this painting as i try to touch the essence of the artist.
a gentle poem with hope for tomorrow =)