Meeting Balthus at the Red Table

Meeting Balthus at the Red Table

 

posed

her sex exposed

an ancient royal gift

tied up in a silk sash and bow

to be opened or closed

fondled or forgotten

leaning against the pillow

breath held

focused on a tapestry

until the words “thank you”

break her neutrality

like the great exhale

she turns to the red table

to pour tea

and cry

 

(From “Late Model”)