Where the Sun Don’t Shine

Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”

Hung in me Mum’s Sun-room,

Welcoming rays

(That pierced each day)

Energy-saving,

Glare-reducing,

UV-rejecting,

Window film.

One wonders

If that gen-u-ine print

Of Helianthus plants

(intended for Gauguin's gaze)

Was ever stoke-stroked by real Sun

In 50 years—

Except through

Filtered skin.

Decorating

An off-white house,

With pebbled roof,

Trimmed sills,

Wind-up windows,

& ever-conditioned

With fake cool-air—

& even cooler faux art.

All-departed,

Since me Mum passed:

Tables, chairs, knicker-knacks;

Bed, spoons, & paddy-whacks.

Van Gogh’s gone,

To a corner,

Where shadows lurk,

& no light lives.