A Poem for Judy beginning a new job
by Irena Klepfisz from Different Enclosures
I will keep this simple
not give it
universal significance
nor transform it
into art.
You say:
"I will not do this
forever. I paint."
I've learned now
that it's no solace
to point out the others
so many others
straining wasting
unable to do
what they know
they must do
for such loss
is always solitary
and unshared
outside the scope
of bloodless theory.
You do not paint
and what must happen
does not happen:
the transformation
on the empty canvas
of the elusive marble
into the shadowy water
or of the simple water
into impenetrable rock
and nothing
nothing
not even a loving embrace
nor special intimate
midnight talk
wil ever make up
or diminish that loss
for you
or for her
or her
or her
or her.
Photo by sugarpacketchad.
