Marilyn's Paradox

Marilyn’s Paradox She had broad tastes, so what’s the fuss about? Her anxious mind manoeuvred on the strips because her fans were sometimes full of doubt. Her focused eyes were like a talent scout, and quivering smiles attracted diverse lips. The girls knew what the fuss was all about. Reporters said, “The lady’s rather stout, with shapeless folds of fat around her hips”. Her paramours were never left in doubt. And when her ladies threw her ‘D’ cups out, they claimed she’d used small buttons for the tips. I don’t know what the fuss was all about? When anchormen began to shriek and shout of femmes fatales and presidential trysts, the studios reacted to the doubt. The media spun her fabricated pout and conned the crowds with endless Pathe clips. She had broad tastes, so what’s the fuss about? Her gentlemen were often full of doubt.

My eternal favourite and thanks for a good depiction

You're welcome, Derek. She was a special and most interesting personality and one that was often overlooked as an individual. She was, in virtually every respect, treated as a commodity. I've always thought there was a hidden pain behind this particular pose, as if she was straining to keep her head above water. To think she'd have been 92 now beggars belief. She is forever beautiful, in more ways than one. Thanks very much for the comments. Brian

You have done an Excellent job with both image and poem! Over the years, I have painted her Many times. To me, her enigmatic presence was always fascinating.

Super image!

Your charcoal work is quite beautiful in this Brian as are the words. I think she was a very mixed up girl and I think it all stemmed back to her rotten childhood.

A beautiful painting and verbal tribute to a woman who cast a light on all around her.....captivating.

Thanks a lot, Skylar, for the encouraging comments. Appreciated. I think "enigmatic" just about sums her up. There is something about her, something that is/was just out of reach. Pleased you liked the poem. Thanks for the comment, Maureen. So pleased you liked. Thanks again, Margaret, for the great comments. I think her childhood left her with a sense of insecurity and a longing/need to be loved AND to love. I believe she was a loving person, with all her contradictions. Joe certainly never stopped loving her, even though he was consumed by jealousy, or so it's said. Thank you, Fiona, for a lovely review. She was indeed captivating, a one of a kind. Every time I saw "real" footage of her she always looked a bit lonely and insecure. Often wondered if it was part of the act, but I do believe she NEEDED to be loved. Thanks again to all Best Brian

She was lovely wasnt she and all the more beautiful because she wasnt stick thin. Cant bear stick insects. Your portrait of her is very true to life. The likeness is strong. I went through a marilyn phase when i was about 16. I bought all her films.

Thanks, Michael Marilyn was and still is one of my favourites. She had that indefinable quality that seemed to hook the entire world. She would have been 92 if she had lived. Forever young. Brian