A fabulous artist [I was assured
as we toured his collection] – A
craftsman first & then artistry &
higher work – my neck aches as
I gawk at canvas-hung walls – in
portraits ugliness is captured &
kept fresh in time-dried strokes
of heavy brushes – Clip-clops of
heels & shoes – squeaking soles
on this gallery’s parquet floors –
that echo of death – reverence’s
dance between rooms takes me
to a last act – his tenebrous view
of how we die – I am stung-eyed