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An Art Collector Art fashioned by the ones who truly could Now decks the hall of one who couldn't. Yet A man who shares such art for greater good Repays, with exhibitions, all his debt. The artist, who's an employee, has made Cornelis look très erudite—a man Of culture with his provenance displayed, Legitimizing him ... Do those who can Look down on those who can't, as Shaw implied? Expounding on a Massys in a scene Cornelis paid for won't have satisfied The cynic Shaw. But Aristotle's been On record longer: teach means understand— Redeeming van der Geest as Willem planned. (First published in the Ekphrastic Review on July 30, 2021 as a response to The Gallery of Cornelis van der Geest by Willem van Haecht) |
Me And My Parrots My parrots bring me peace to nestle in. Enduring loss is easiest when I Am comforted by feathers on my skin: No human touch can so well pacify! Determination permeates the calm My birds induce: each day I must restart. Youth brought me chronic pain, for which the balm Proves daily to be nature, and my art ... A cigarette as tonic is too brief. Refraining for a moment is too long. Relighting brings no permanent relief Or respite from the battle to be strong— Though when my parrots stimulate my brain, Strength radiates to overcome my pain! (Prompted by Frida Kahlo's painting and first published in the Creativity Webzine on July 31, 2021) |
Waiting On A Muse Without the hum of voices sharing news, A café is an uninspiring place, If where its owner planned to meet his muse. This poet wears a disappointed face— It's past the time she said she would be here ... No smartphone rings—his poet's place is pro Good conversation, smartphones interfere ... Old phones, though here, are silent—she won't show. Nor will the old-time patrons who once came. A café host who nurtured tête-à-tête May reminisce, but times are not the same, Upturned by Covid and the internet ... So he'll close down, and write of days long gone— Ennui may be the muse he waited on! (First published in the Ekphrastic Review on August 13, 2021 as a response to The Poet by Lily Prigioniero) |
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After Breakfast A whole day lies ahead. So I will take Five minutes sitting by myself, and let The dirty dishes signal I'm on break, Engrossed in my own thoughts. A cigarette Relaxes me, it makes me feel unsnared, But only for a while. The life I know Rewards conformity. I wish I dared Escape from ties to here, just pack and go, And travel to pursue the freedom I Keep longing for. Yet duty to my kin Forbids me still. In truth, as time goes by, A love of homespun comfort settles in ... Soon chores resume. But till they call on me, These moments let me dream that I am free! (Prompted by Elin Danielson-Gambogi's painting and first published in the Creativity Webzine on November 30, 2021) |
Rooftops in Snow Ranged high above the snowfall on the ground, Oblivious to stirrings far below, Observed from higher still by a renowned French artist named Caillebotte, and capped with snow, The Paris rooftops conjured up an air Of urban stillness. Birds would have to hear Pins dropping if they listened from up there, So tranquil was the morning atmosphere ... Impressions painted long ago are what Now capture, for posterity, the peace Snow-covered roofs presented to Caillebotte Near old Montmartre ... Silence did not cease On those old roofs: it still is felt today— When gazing at his oil in the Musée. (First published in the Ekphrastic Review on December 31, 2021 as a response to Snow Covered Roofs in Paris by Gustave Caillebotte) |
Witches Dancing When once a castle stayed unused too long In Scotland, homeless witches found a squat. These witches, who think paying rent is wrong, Can deal with any interfering Scot Harassing them for squatting there at night, Enchanting all the dear departed souls Still lurking in the castle for a fright ... Displaying mesmerizing rigmaroles, A charismatic dancing witch—who leads Nocturnal rounds of hornpipes, jigs and reels— Casts spells on any meddler with her deeds. If you're the rent collector, your appeals Not only get no rent—but also you Go home and pay the landlord what is due! (Prompted by The Witches Dance and first published in the Spring-Summer 2022 issue of Rat's Ass Review) |