Woman at an Exhibition

(The Petrov Exhibition, Jackson, Mississippi, August 12, 1996)

You, Phyllis Brandt, have left your surburban home, hands
creamed after hand washing, face
made up, greased, puffed, brows
painted.

The children are out of school and at day camp; the
Suburban has been serviced; the
grocery shopping has been done. Jan waits.

What have you come here to see?
A Russian prince pulling back the veil
veiling his black sorrow? What
have you come here to see?
An Empress' plot against her Emperor?

Why have you come here? With your healthy head
filled with bland curiosity and wonder, mind
primed for suggestion, open to admiration.

It is the season of the great attempt. Season
of the honest try to feed your soul.
You walk with the cassette recorder
At the museum in Jackson, Mississippi.
Jan is close at hand.

The Russians are ever great in their velvet and iron.
You push yourself into the Lantern Study
Carrying the malachite writing set.
Your skirt grates against floor and chair.
You sit, wave away the ladies in waiting,
Begin to write:

Dear Nicholas,

__________________________

August 12, 1996
James Bolner, Sr.
Copyright ©1997 James Bolner, Sr.