Henri Matisse, “Interior with a Bowl with Red Fish” Autumn on Plaza Mayor in Madrid Early morning strolls to the cafe, Cool afternoon siestas, Two red fish my quiet companions. I sip midnight wine on the balcony with ghost echoes of your laughter.

Henri Matisse, “View of Collioure” Rows of pink adobe wearing thatch hats nest near the bay. Every summer vacation, my lungs in salt, respite; my soul balmed with carnation perfume from the hills in bloom.

Henri Matisse, “The King’s Sadness” No matter how carefully you arrange your ‘do a hair will fall out of place. Install a yard of bluebird houses and they fill with shy, blue birds, until they house hordes of small wrens with sharp beaks and who sing all day long.

Henri Matisse, “The Girl with Green Eyes” Respect walks with air of mutuality stepping freely and with feeling — yet it limps when lopsided with agenda. Strange fur morphs this new beastie. Its smile shines with stained hollow pegs, baby doll eyes of emptiness, its every act now tainted with suspicion.

Henri Matisse, “Woman with a Hat” Promptitis or promptosis? An inflammation or a chronic condition? I call The Muse without a Prompt and She waits for Pavlov’s bell to ring. Nature stands mute and cats are just cats.