Walls absorb The Life,            
the fog forbids escape
from an oil painting
hung above the desk.
A forgotten gypsy
sings in a box
under the stairs.
He goes through the motions
of a visit well-rehearsed ...
it follows him through
the rooms of the house,
asking questions
none dare answer.
Consumed by the eyes
of a tattered canvas mirror,
he goes through the motions
of a visit well-rehearsed:
Melting candles no one sees,
watching as they dwindle ...
walking up and down the stairs.
Remembering what he has
forgotten—
while still, the portrait follows
asking questions
          none dare answer,
drawing colors from him—
taking what none can give.
He pauses to touch
the forgotten gypsy
singing in a box
under the stairs:
He goes through the motions
of a visit well-rehearsed.