Thrilled to have my poem “Salome Danced” in The Ekphrastic Review. Thanks to poet Rose Boehm for introducing me to this publication! Inspired by the term “ekphrasis” (see below), this online journal publishes exclusively writing inspired by visual art.
I wrote this poem in response to the journal’s painting prompt: “Salome” (1870) by Henri Regnault. The painting totally gripped me. Salome is barefoot, her feet on that luscious fur. Her sleeve is slipping, her hair is down and wild. I love her furtive smile, the way her shadowed eyes gazing directly out at the viewer. Plus the promise of that empty platter . . .
My poem wasn’t the only poem for this prompt! Read all the other poems that also respond to this painting at The Ekphrastic Review’s website. One of the coolest aspects of this journal is seeing how each poem filters the painting through the poet’s perspective, their worldview and creative lens.
The story generally goes that young Salome’s incredible dance delighted King Herod so much he promised her any favor . . . only for Salome’s bitter mother to swoop in and demand the head of John the Baptist on a platter. John had condemned her marriage to the king, which she didn’t much like.
But I know a version of this story where, after the gruesome deed, John the Baptist’s head took a great breath and blew out a tempest, a storm that carried the queen away (and presumably Salome).
I wanted my poem to capture Salome’s brightness instead, to center this young woman caught in the drama of adults, and give her back some autonomy.
If you liked this poem, check out my other publications! And if you’re considering submitting your own work, visit my “Writing Resources” page. You can learn so much by submitting to small online journals and magazines; it’s a great challenge to set for yourself if you’re looking to improve your writing.
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