Laying naked on the chaise longue
and the artist's taking so long
to get the colours mixed.
I have fixed myself a pose
looking quite good
without wearing any clothes
then Picasso starts to paint.

The lights are strong
I perspire
the artist murmurs
'I'm on fire'

and late so very late Picasso takes a break
and I can stand and stretch
I fetch a cup of water
take one crafty look behind the canvas
and I am slaughtered.
I thought this guy could paint
but that ain't me
he's painted monsters rising from a sea
with blackened eyes
and skin of verdigris.

If this guy could paint by numbers
he wouldn't get past number three.
Look at what he's done to me.
I'm getting dressed and going home.
Tomorrow
I shall have a bone
to pick with him.