i am often mystified
when i see a painting
one dimensional canvas
capturing the subject
long before the days
of cameras
i am often piqued
when i look at the portraits
sitting very astute and poised
or rather smug and pompous
wearing swathes of fabric
medals of valor on his dressing
his long jet black curly hair
loose upon his collar
proudly displaying his sword
i am often intrigued
with his prize
sitting beside him
draped in rich hues of velvet
drowning in pearls and rubies
with a matching tiara upon
her coiffed auburn hair
her delicate porcelain hands
folded under the lace sleeves
holding her silk fan
i am often bemused
with the expression
on the blemish free complexion
ruddy cheeks hiding
their naughty flush
with gleam in their eyes
not a care in the world
except to bet  
upcoming competition
who is the best dueler
a grand feast to follow
i have often wondered
what it would be like to live
in the days before the camera
to encapsulate every nuance.~~lorilynn

copyright*lorilynn 2010