DIEGO VELAZQUEZ'S POWER

(1599-1660)

In the cool museum room

in the first snow of morning 

after Bach, brioche

and a Spanish latte

by a chorus of airy sparrows

with laughter in the esplanade

you, Diego overwhelm us

at the hidden art wall 

of your airy Bacchus

or at the supper at Emmaus

with scenes of Jesus's family

or staring at courtyard portraits

you have a Sephardic flair

which loves the valid sunshine

in your bardic divine gestures

painting in your space and time
Venus and Cupid not forbidden
by an artistic Dionysus god of wine.