April 6, 2016

after "Vincent's Bedroom in Arles"

Bedroom in Arles

And what do people have?

Vincent, people have too much.

So you’d say, he spat,

possessor of so many things.

It would not, could not, occur

to one like me

to think like you,

your pitiful, plaintive pouting,

your wish for the simple.

Please.

Give me your fine, stuffed chairs,

I will gladly trade you mine.

Please.

Let me help.

I can assist with that gout as well.

Take my loaf of bread,

my tart wine, hard cheese.

Please.

I’ll try your elegant dishes,

perhaps sprawled across your bed.

Please.

The pictures on the wall?

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

Yours for a glass half full.

Please.