Farewell, Fair Painter

Farewell, fair painter—
Our room is dim and bare
Where my portrait,
Painted with unfair beauty,
Intended
To comfort the night.

I lack all skill to frame it,
All strength to hang it,
Now that I’ve so bravely
Crawfished my patronage,
And sent you home
With only stars to light your way.

January 29, 2026