CHLOE & DEGAS.

A young woman wants to be introduced to Degas in 1910 Paris.

Chloe’s cousin knows
Degas. He has promised
To introduce her to him,
But he hasn’t done so.

The great promiser of
Things. She muses on
What Degas would
Think of her had she

Been introduced. Her
Cousin has painted her
A few times, he has his
Eye on her for other things

Maybe. His friends are of
The art world in one way
Or another. They have
Beards, smoke and drink.

She doesn’t fancy any of
Them she doesn’t think.
But Degas. What of him
And to pose maybe? Her

Cousin often promises to
Introduce, but he hasn’t
Done so yet. She dreams
he will and Degas will

Speak of her to others.
She sits and waits and
Dreams. Nothing is ever
What it is or what it seems.

Reviews

[just rose.]

Combined with the last posing meditation there is a revelation here, of trying to get to where she wants through this. My favorite part of this poem is the structure, some of the repetition, the cleverness of the line breaks. It's interesting what such a sedentary occupation can inspire. My favorite lines are The great promiser of/Things. Aren't they all honey.

[Terry Collett]

Th e lady's name is not really Chloe. I have no idea who she is or was. The poem is not About her, but her beautiful photo inspired the poem.