Weeping willows lean over the calm waters,
tufts of long grass sit on the water edge;
in the peak of summer with a green palette,
the artist dabs color to the slender sedge.

Over the flower-laden waters of lovely Ru,
above the water-lilies tinted in white hue,
a quaint wooden bridge lies over the brook,
stained in mild strokes of a striking blue.

Deep is the pigment that coats the foliage,
bright is the dye that blurs the reflections;
strewn with water lilies gushes the brook,
Monet's own garden is painted to perfection!

The scenery vibrates with fresh cool tones,
no distinctive outlines are drawn and seen,
giant clumps of reed blend into the brook,
Monet's art palette is flushed with green.

So picturesque is Giverny's garden scene!
A jubilant celebration of verdant green!
A landscape where varied shades coalesce,
a canvass were art and artist effervesce!


© by Leah Chrestien.
Used here with the author’s permission.

Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge by Claude Monet, 1899