F Scott Hess' "Soul", 2005

Faces

I have finished my gallery.
My Seven Laughter's of God.
This collector stands before me, in his expensive suit
and with his lustful wife.She is pale white, like a vampire.
He offers his hand to me.
His hand is warm, and exudes wealth and authority.
I will wear a smile.

I shake hands with this young artist.
My wife warms up to him.
He wears the same celebratory red as my wife,
but also the gold of wealth, and the stench of aspiration.
He stands erect, brash, and with a broad smile
that must be a result of my presence.
I am so cool.

I am moved by this painting.
Even among this clamoring crowd, there is an air of appreciation.
In my many years as a critic,
there have been none as captivating.
My excitement is tangible,
manifesting itself in the face of this lewd, crouching girl.
I can't show emotions though.

I stare at the tentative prices for these works.
My lover is pointing out a painting,
but I don't know whats going on.
She forces me here every week
because she likes to scrutinize art as a critic might.
And I stand beside her, mute and stoic.
I will pretend to understand.