On Viewing Inferno of the Innocents

Poised on the edge of the bed

she sits in sharp light,

pointed feet barely touching

the dim floor.

Through fear-filled, furrowed brow

she stares at the encroaching shadow.

I want to protect her, reach into the canvas

and take her home,

adopt her

make her my grand-daughter

hold her safe and warm

make her whole

watch her dance

fearless

in the golden morning.

As I despair

another little girl approaches the painting,

and broadly smiles in recognition,

nodding to this new-found playmate.

She knows how morning light

always pushes back

the black night.

(24 April 2013)

Author notes

to see the powerful, heartbreaking works of Gottfried Helnwein, visit his website athttp://www.helnwein.com/