Chagall – early impression

Chagall’s blue
         sea of aching origin
transmigration
         of genes
across Europe
         across continents
flight of all things
         in constant flux

Swirl of blue vortex
         earthwomb
from which all life
         emerges
fiery cadmium placenta
         a canvas dripping
with minerals
          Mother and child
in the hills above Nice
          a brush with destiny
instrumental colour
         the hands from which
melody flows
         Pegasus dashing
across the seasky
          repeated layers of love
tenderly applied
         the groomed bride
floating within her sex
          circles of satisfaction
zones of curved comfort
         joy inviolate
against the terror
         of time’s crude cross

John Lyons