the art of poetry

Charles Rosen Bridge

I wanted to cross the bridge.

She asked: “Have you ever burned one?”

“Yes,” I replied, stung by the memory —

“And did you try to repair it?”

“No,” I said, I built a wall instead.

I started across at a slow crawl.

She asked, “Are you afraid it’s too far?”

“Yes,” I replied, tasting my weakness —

“Listen for the one who inspires you,” she said,

“And follow the length of your fears.”

My pace quickened, and I crossed.

“What about your fears?” she asked.

“Gone. Water under the bridge.”

“And whose voice did you hear?”

“Oh, it was my mother’s. She said “Go!

— and take a sandwich.”

— David Stoller

Charles Rosen (1878–1950) was one of Pennsylvania’s (and later, Woodstock’s) finest painters. Rosen was celebrated for his exquisite impressionist paintings, which focused primarily on the Delaware River and Bucks County surroundings in the early 20th century — then, beginning around 1925, for his powerful industrial/precisionist style. Brian Peterson, former senior curator at the Michener Museum, viewed Railroad Bridge as a “transitional painting” that represents Rosen’s dramatic move to a modern style while retaining certain impressionist flourishes. The subject, a bridge, seems to be an apt symbol of Rosen’s metamorphosis, crossing a bridge from one shore to another — uniquely equipped to capture the beauty of both. n

David Stoller has had a career spanning law, private equity, and entrepreneurial leadership. He was a partner and co-head of Milbank Tweed and led various companies in law, insurance, live entertainment, and the visual arts. David is an active art collector and founder of River Arts Press, which published a collection of his poetry, Finding My Feet.

PHOTOGRAPH AND ESSAY BY RICARDO BARROS