Gedicht uit archief Philip Zilcken Possibly 1913 - 1930

This poem, "Gedicht uit archief Philip Zilcken," exists as a set of marks on paper, likely made with ink. The letterforms aren't fussy but clear, like they are made for efficient communication. I'm drawn to how Verwey uses language, like a sculptor might use clay. Each word seems carefully chosen, not just for its meaning, but for its sound and rhythm. The poem feels solid, yet fragile, like a ruin. Notice the words "Brok viel na brok" - the image is as much about loss and decay as it is about the "Graf van Sjeich Fariz". The physicality of the language creates a tension. It is as if Verwey is reminding us that art is not just about ideas, but also about the material world and the way we interact with it. I am reminded of the concrete poetry of Ian Hamilton Finlay, where words become objects, shaping our perception and experience. Ultimately, this piece invites us to contemplate the transient nature of existence and the enduring power of art.