Mona Lisa by Bob Atkinson

Mona Lisa

(c)2012 Bob Atkinson

Viale Niccolo on her right

Boboli Gardens on her left

the woman of subtle beauty

lays her hands down to rest

the painter gives her words

his frustration evident

“...asked you to keep your hands

laying by your side...,” he said

she smiled in appreciation

of emotions she had brought

to the surface of the man

who no one else had mocked

“....you fool, you cannot tell me

what to do here in my life

I am not your concubine,

neither am I your wife....”

he fumed at this sign

of bravery on her part

the chaotic situation

brought him quickly to a stop

slamming down the painter's brush

not motivated to continue on

he stomped out of the room

to walk quietly in the garden

she touched his hand so gently

and kissed him on the neck

she whispered softly in his ear

“....you are such an impulsive man..

you have no thoughts for others

concentrate only on your task

you need to feel emotions that

can be laid down

with your colored paints

else, you'll be only one of many

with talents large and small

to freeze emotions fully

takes bravado and fierce gall

so, dear let us return

to the setting you have made

and put into your painting

that wild internal rage..."