That was very touching. I like how it leaves so much to the reader's imagination. :) ~Gina
Author's Response: Thank you, Gina. This was a nice one to write because its such a joyful snapshot.
This poem made me look for an author's note, to see if you shared what you were thinking of when you wrote it. You didn't, so I'll have to live with disappointment, :), and share with you my impressions.
The first time I read the poem through I got the idea of a wizard portrait leaving his canvas to roam the paintings of Hogwarts until he discovered a stationary beauty immortalised by a Muggle artist. The last line is probably figurative, but it could be literal. :D
The second time I read it I got a different impression, that of a Muggle relation dragged to a wizard gallery, unsettled and dismayed by the moving portraits and then entranced by the Muggle (or Muggle-styled) painting. How revealing that would be of his discomfort with magical things, maybe even an objectification of women, or his need to project onto others (not much on your mind, bored with your presence, etc...).
I did notice the contradiction in the way he (If it is a he, it could be the Fat Lady gazing at a Muggle portrait of Pavarotti!) views the portrait. The painting sang and lusted in one stanza yet was restrained, watching in the next.
The idea of silence as sanctuary, as a quality of high value was striking. I think a cacophony implies loud as well as harsh, though, and I think the line would flow better without "loud", not make a reader run out of mental breath. As a writer who I'm sure you well remember reading loads of long sentences from, ^_~, you're welcome to snigger over me suggesting an edit.
You're free to smile, too, over me seeing For R, Always and thinking "she's left that open for interpretation so I say R is for Readers!"
I can't look at the poem forever, heh, but I will reread it one more time. Who knows? I might find another story in it!
Merry Christmas!
Author's Response: Ohmygosh! That was a great review because it's not often you get such detailed feedback from a reader. *hugs* Well, I could explain, but I like your interpretations so I think just a hint towards your second read, and not a Muggle but a bored young witch and a patient painting. And the contradiction was a nod towards how some people can lust in a quiet way! I'm glad you found something in the poem and thank you for the review. :-)