IMPROVISATION #106

You have dreamed
so much lately
of the Dutch masters
in the fine arts museum
with screens drawn
on Jan Steen
seen on remnants as blinds
that as I'm analyzing parts
of Pronk, Rembrandt
and Franz Hals sharing
some of these paintings
they cannot be silent
as they speak to us
in faces of persuasion
rising above their values
about these outgoing ladies
wondering about the park
with their company, entourage
or staff,
following their household
as if they are courting
some absent gentlemen
while their cold husband is
away on business
in their darkly colored parasols
or what they are cultivating
with a pink umbrella
on this field of color
to shield from pockets of rain
with enfolded bracelets
a gold ornament necklaces
and lockets
or if they will merely laugh
yielding to life in vain
by their retinues and staff
this late afternoon
having a lover or enemy
with lips of mocking disdain.