Ekphrastic poetry by Sarah Wyman

Based on 'Nocturne in Grey and Silver' by J. M. Whistler, 1973

Nocturne

Based on Nocturne in Grey and Silver, by J. M. Whistler (1973)

This is the place of knowing
of stilled life
of the meeting missed on purpose
knowledge of the thick band
that binds us together 
whether we show up
or let the minutes amble by
in their watery way, melting
into wasted hours or forgotten moments
when a daze frosts the day warmly
and we remember to move an elbow,
stir in the seat
so we don’t turn to rivers ourselves
sliding through dusk into night
by a misted window that waits
for us, then watches as we stream by
sleepy with that uprooted knot 
weighing enough 
to keep us earthen and alone.

---

About the Poet:

Sarah Wyman lives in the Hudson Valley where she writes and teaches about literature and the visual art. She co-facilitates the Sustainability Faculty Learning Community at SUNY New Paltz and teaches poetry workshops at Shawangunk Prison. Her poetry has appeared in aaduna, Mudfish, Ekphrasis, San Pedro River Review, Potomac Review, Lightwood, Heron Clan XI, A Slant of Light: Contemporary Women Poets of the Hudson Valley, and other venues. Two books as well: Sighted Stones (FLP 2018) and Fried Goldfinch (Codhill 2021).

Join us October 24-25, 2025 for the inaugural Unleash Your Creativity online conference. Early-bird registration now open.