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Wordless Wednesday – Poem

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000

The other day I read this quote:

"A picture is a poem without words."

Quintus Cornificius

For many who may be somewhat older, we learned of poems in our earlier educational years. As a refresher, one definition of a poem is per Collins Dictionary:

A composition in verse, usually characterized by concentrated and heightened language in which words are chosen for their sound and suggestive power as well as for their sense, and using such techniques as metre, rhyme, and alliteration.

Over the years I have several favorite poems. Now taking the words of Cornificius, I remember some picture or photographs stirring my memory of  my favorite poems.

My favorite poem is still by Robert Frost The Road Not Taken. The backyard of our home in Indiana bordered a forest and the family farm in NW WI had forests on two sides.  As I have aged, pictures and photos only reinforce my appreciation of Frost’s words.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Today living here in Golden Valley, AZ my front yard has only one tree. Instead of a forest behind our backyard, we now have mountain views from both the front and back yards. Sometime in the past I came across this poem. Today those views remind me of this poem by Li Po.

All birds have flown up and gone

A lonely cloud floats leisurely by.

We never tire of looking at each other

Only the mountains and I.

Yes a "picture is a poem without word."

Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne M Smith

Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.

Posted by

Leanne M. Smith, MS, GRI, rCRMS

2018 KGVAR Rookie Realtor of the Year-55+
219.508.2859 MST
Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehoaglandsmith
Show All Comments Sort:
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Leanne... that is quite the photo! I've always loved this poem by Robert Frost. Having attended Lutheran schools, we did not learn poems... we memorized hymns and bible verses!

Jan 15, 2025 04:47 AM
Leanne Smith

I only attended one year in a Lutheran school and I can attest to learning the proverbs which my teacher likened  to poetry. Thank you and good  morning Nina Hollander, Broker 

Jan 15, 2025 05:39 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Leanne Smith 11 years for me, Leanne... and the only reason it wasn't 12 was because I skipped third grade and went straight to fourth from second.

Jan 15, 2025 05:41 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Leanne - your post has me thinking of my first impressions of Haiku.  Sometime in elementary school, I wondered, where's the rhyme. 

Poems are open to interpretation, why not a picture.  Or a photograph.  Or even something from artificial intelligence.  Ah, who might have imagined the topic turning into a hornet's nest of debate. . .     

Jan 15, 2025 05:03 AM
Leanne Smith

Leave it to you Michael Jacobs to create the potential for debate with your thoughtful insight.

Jan 15, 2025 05:37 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

What a beautiful poem.  Charles ? who did a CBS weekly show said this one I beleive, great information. Thanks for sharing it.

Have a super fantastic week!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

 

Jan 15, 2025 05:23 AM
Leanne Smith

Glad you enjoyed and good morning to you Bill.

Jan 15, 2025 05:36 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Leanne. A picture is indeed a poem without words which can be translated to many like poetry. Not true, poetry has its own beauty, but for many the picture carries a better message. Enjoy your day.

Jan 15, 2025 05:34 AM
Leanne Smith

Yes poetry has its own beauty. Fascinating how our brain or mind makes those connections. Thank you and good morning Wayne.

Jan 15, 2025 05:36 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Yes Leanne, poetry has a unique beauty that draws us in. It’s amazing how it can take ordinary words and weave them into something profound, making connections we didn’t even realize were there.

Jan 15, 2025 05:46 AM
Leanne Smith

No disagreement that poetry has its own uniqueness. And those connections are different for each of us. Thank you and good morning.

Jan 16, 2025 06:25 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

A beautiful photo and excellent poem choices to share. We've got tons of trees as well as mountain views. Nature speaks to me in poem all the time!

Jan 15, 2025 06:12 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you for the kind words and I imagine you do have some incredible views with the mountains and trees.

Jan 16, 2025 06:24 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

As I read your post I realize i do not read enough poems, I generally enjoy them when i have read them and definitely agree photos can be something that is wonderful. as can a painting too.

Jan 15, 2025 06:23 AM
Leanne Smith

Reading poetry has never been one of my past times. Like you I enjoy them when I read them.  Thank you and good morning Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 

Jan 16, 2025 06:23 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Leanne,

Loved the photo. The poem by Robert Frost was one of my Geno's favorites! Poetry does have its own beauty but one needs to take the time to read it and ponder its meaning.

Jan 15, 2025 06:29 AM
Leanne Smith

Frost's poem has always been a favorite of mine because the meaning goes so much further than just a walk through the woods. Thank you and good morning Dorie Dillard Austin TX 

Jan 16, 2025 06:23 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Such a beautiful sky!  I love Arizona sunsets and sunrises!  I remember writing a book of poetry in 4th grade, but haven't done much with poetry since then, haha.

Jan 16, 2025 05:10 AM
Leanne Smith

Who knows maybe you should give writing a poem a try?  Thanks for stopping by and yes AZ sunsets and sunrises are beautiful.

Jan 16, 2025 06:22 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing your photograph and this poem.

I hope you are having an outstanding weekend.

Jan 18, 2025 12:11 PM
Leanne Smith

I did have an outstanding  weekend. Thank you and I did enjoy the photo.

Jan 20, 2025 06:56 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Leanne Smith - to this day I still enjoy poetry. The Road Not Taken is my all time favorite. 

Jan 19, 2025 05:01 PM
Leanne Smith

I agree this poem is my favorite one as well. Thank you for sharing.

Jan 20, 2025 06:54 AM