The artist here, John F. Francis, was a portrait painter until his 40s, when he turned to still lifes. He soon began painting still lifes exclusively, usually lunch or dessert scenes. He was also known for his attention to detail.
At first glance this dessert still life seemed to me quite cheery, but then I looked at the details. The crumbs and strewn biscuits on the table. The fly. One full glass, one partially sipped. The darkness of the interior, compared to the idyllic colours of the garden through the window.
For more poems in my ekphrastic series based on “food art”, click here. More on chant poems here.
Still Life with Silver Cake Basket
A grandmother kneaded pastry and baked all day.
There was no one to feast on cherry wine and cake.
She remembered Sunday was still four days away.
There was no one to feast on cherry wine and cake.
The dial tone rang busy. Outside, only sparrows.
There was no one to feast on cherry wine and cake.
She would knead and bake again tomorrow.
There was no one to feast on cherry wine and cake.
©elsp 2025
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