Angel With Ferns In A Far Landscape

a little Italianate the violet twilight

in the background sets off the shimmering of the ivory pillars

on either side-

you know that easily don't you? 

but who notices the

ivory shadows on the far snows

the rustling of trees in the olive groves

you hear as though it were real 

while gazing at the

unfinished portrait of the angel with

ferns, with stately roses

saffron-splendid,

the quizzical angel of the far landscape

in between Christmases and cirrus clouds

with a lemon grove to watch over

maybe an infanta in a burgundy gown

the baby princess with a pearl smile

but that's in the next painting

isn't it?

mary angela douglas 18 october 2013