FROM AN EIGHTEENTH CENTURY PAINTED TILE

Poised as he is,
one foot above a stream,
the blue-clad, slouch-capped flute boy
dominates the scene:
Though giant tulips lick his coattails
and huge philodendrons wave like trees,
he whistles a tune out his fingertips
and crosses the stream with ease.

His art is second nature:
Each undulating phrase
suggests a leap or dance step
as it mimics the gust and breeze.



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