We like prostitution in art
we Dutch
even mother-in-law has a Van Baburen
brazen with half unshelled breasts
but the rampant lusty leers
are more hormonally charged
than my naughty shadowed grin
in this prodigal portrait
what a fine excuse however
to be a quarter of a soft porn
Punch and Judy show
(Jan Klaassen and Katrijn)
the puppet booth a sloping table
and a rug hung in defiance of gravity
my hands hold wine and song
whilst Mr. Klaassen with his hat askew
has his woman his Katrijn
I can sense the softness he feels
the flex of his fingers
weight beneath her weave
come a little closer
feel the heat in here
smell the sweat
headiness of poured wine
mustiness of rug
rough fibers
ivory tang of lace
newness of my slit-sleeve jerkin
everything before the candle flame
is warmth everything
except half-closed eyes
a madam’s avaricious gaze
and the coin’s edge
cold lintel of wantonness
with its prick of light
