passion, sepia

Those of you who visit my works often know the name of Mariya Andriychuk aka Lady Martist, my Ukrainian muse and friend who is a gifted photographer, graphic artist and model. Recently she posted one of her latest efforts, a sepia toned semi-nude self-portrait entitled "passion, sepia" and I wrote a poem in response to it, then asked her if I might use the photo on my blog, alongside the poem. Her response was, as always, positive and enthusiastic. So, here they are, the vision and the words inspired thereby.


the look in eyes
where passion reigns
and the pain of hollow hours
is shattered by a touch that extends into all corners,
born of flesh,
borne on spirit
and burned into my memory
by the merest thought of you,
hot with hunger and desire,
a goddess of fire
made avatar for the worship of her.
a religion of needs,
bleeding as sacrament
from one into another
until there is no more solitude.
your passion
makes me want to live forever.


William F. DeVault. all rights reserved.