Painter and Model

The ashtray rattled
against a wooden desk
as she stubbed one last cigarette.
She rose once 
and finally,
flesh and bone of each preparatory sketch 
moved beneath a dark green skirt
and ribbed black turtle neck,
that none 
but his hand 
could recall her 
from the door way, threshhold,
shadowed carpet at the end of the stair
and the swimming sunlight beyond frosted glass.
This was her egress. 

Even now, when the door 
settles to its latch,
his canvas glimmers 
with colors that she left.
 


Next
Contents
Home page