Ekphrasis

He paints a regal picture.

Embellished with gold in his clothing,

as well as in his character.

The curls cascade,

and the cape captivates:

like a senator’s toga,

the draped fabric maintains an impression of importance.

His hand grips it effortlessly,

as if his notoriety is something he expects,

rather than something he has earned.

He smirks at you.

He is surprised by any creature without perfect complexion.

His cheeks flush with embarrassment just from the sight of you.

Standing upon the flora which decorates him,

he embodies a partnership between the wealth of the earth,

and the wealth in his pockets.

His cap cannot hide

the prosperity that grows with those curls.

Chest proud and

gaze wide,

the shadow he casts reaches

farther and farther,

until someone detects

the lies that supply it.

There is a fear behind that smirk.

There is a reason behind the value placed on perfection.

He fears his own embarrassment.

The podium which he rests upon

can only be seen from behind.

Much like the family fortune

which he relies upon.

Behind the persona

of a man,

is a scared little boy.

The ties which secure his hair

and his slacks,

lack the true security that he requires:

the security of his mind.

Buttoned-up

and covered from head to toe,

attempting to conceal the revealing

pressures of aristocracy,

His fine clothes cannot obscure the eye

from the vulnerability of his flesh.

Man is man.

The presence of affluence and authority

cannot deny that fact:

it can only

attempt to disguise it.

You pity him.

He is perfection the same as he is fragility.

He paints a picture of human nature.

The Tang, Monday March 18th

Figure in 18th-century garment, 19th Century

Artist Unknown