AT THE ART MUSEUM
(The contemporary room)

We don't look at one another.
We search the walls for clues.
Look! Here's one discovered!
Revealed! (The artist's muse!)

Insights in my eyes do
Make me play the sleuth.
As the artists try to
Scrub pigment into truth.

Splashes of estrangement!
(Scorn adeptly scumbled.)
Misery! Derangement!
Temper screamed! (Then mumbled.)

The darkest hour depicted!
It makes me stop and think.
This painter is afflicted!
(I think he needs a drink.)

But wait! This ain't ennui!
What is it that I missed?
Is this a reverie?
Not discontent, but bliss?

With chin in hand I cock my head
And sport my knowing frown.
"Yes! That misplaced splash of red!
"The thing is upside down!"

Know the Arts! Expand your range!
It isn't very hard.
Just keep in mind that all things change
Except the Avant Garde.

-- Steve Stinson