For the love of Art

Spent the afternoon in an Art Gallery, as one does,

Paintings and sculptures worth inspection, the visitors also.

Some must view at a pace, perfunctory, presumably on a tight schedule,

They see everything, but notice nothing.

Others, bending, bowing, contortionists, scanning from every angle, not quite standing on their heads,

But they would if they could.

Maybe it gives them some new perspective even the artist did not spot.

Yet more study at a distance, daring anyone to block their view,

These are the posturing, peering  poseurs,

Their sensibilities,  somehow more important than the art.

Then there are the snappers, always brand new cameras,

So proud, preoccupied with getting the perfect shot

Running off a dozen at different settings just in case.

Then there’s me, don’t know much but know what I like,

I believe in love at first sight.

It immediately moves me to laugh or look twice or to step back, or there is nothing.