Thursday, April 18, 2013

Like Anna and Alexei



the lemon and mint night
deceived me with its fragrance

stronger, subtler than roses,
pink, and blushing deeper still

i’m sorry,
i should have listened to me

but my voice
went hush

when i heard your words
and all i could think about

was your tongue


Copyright © 2013 Jennifer Wagner


Peggy Goetz at Poetry Jam invited us to write from the perspective of a fictional character.  I based my poem on the both tragic and captivating characters of Anna and Count Vronsky in Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina, and the attraction between them.  I read the book a while back but have yet to see the 2012 movie version.  I’m curious to know if anyone has seen it and what they thought of it.

17 comments:

Lisa A. Williams said...

Really nice, Jennifer. I haven't seen the movie yet but read the book years ago.

Mary said...

I have not seen the movie. I had planned to, but it didn't get such good reviews. I do not know much about the story, but I think it is always a good idea to listen to oneself!

Peggy said...

Lovely Jennifer. I have not seen the movie either but heard it was a well done period piece. I also read the book long ago. Anna was a captivating character.

Laurie Kolp said...

Ooh-la-la... this is hot!

Sarav said...

Jennifer, what well written passion! I have not read this book, but I love the voice you gave her. After reading your poem, I might have to give that book a read :-)

ayala said...

Jen, lovely and passionate. :)

Helen said...

It may have been due to the fact I saw the movie on an airplane (five hour flight) .. but the film was not great (in my humble opinion.) I read the novel years ago which also may be a factor .. but the film paled in comparison to the book. (Jude Law being the exception)

I did, however, enjoy your poem.

Tank said...

I really like this one. Seductive and alluring - it really conveys the emotion of desire. Great write honey.

The Unknowngnome said...

"a lemon and mint night"... a deception i would gladly fall to.

its "voice went hush" when the poem turned thus and it was "all i could think" of.

indeed like Anna and Alexei!

very bewitching.

Cressida de Nova said...

I have not seen the Keira Knightley version but I thoroughly recommend Sophie Marceau. She is absolutely Anna.

Anonymous said...

This is very well written!

Stormcat Poetry said...

Who's tongue were you thinking about when you wrote this. I know where my mind went when I read it. Couldn't breathe for a while afterward.

Dave King said...

Captivating and compelling. An original thought-line.

Fireblossom said...

It's not about Good Sense or it wouldn't be romantic love!

I'm like you, I read the book when I was about 30, but haven't seen the movie. The book was magnificent when he stuck to his story, but like many 19th century novelists (Hugo being the worst on this), he strays into irrelevant essays on burning issues of the day that don't further the story. The side trips drove me crazy. That said, Anna is unforgettable.

Unknown said...

I read this over and over again. Very compelling. I haven't seen the movie yet, but am hoping to see it before the summer comes.

Jules

Anonymous said...

really love the opening "assault" on one's senses with the fragrances and then the blush. beautifully written from beginning to end, Jennifer!

Margaret said...

I have to agree with Fireblossom... I skipped quite a few parts of the book. I have only seen a trailer for the book ... and I was a bit taken aback by what I thought to be very English accents and people. It's a Russian story, for goodness sakes. Now, Jude Law I can't believe would ever give a bad performance.... but I have yet to see the movie. YOU let us know what YOU think!! :)

I LOVED the poem... my kind of passionate poem!