DALYA IN AMSTERDAM 1974

A MAN AND WOMAN IN AMSTERDAM IN 1974

Benny liked
the Van Gogh paintings
in Amsterdam.

You went with him
and after you ate
and drank
at a cafe.

You know poetry
don't you Benny?
you said.

Yes sure
he said.

Do you think
Whitman was gay?

He looked at you
don't know
can't say
I've not read
much of his stuff
or know much
about him
he said.

I read it some place
you said.

Does it matter?
Benny said.

Not at all
you said
just wondered
if he was.

Benny lit a cigarette
and offered you one too
and you took one
and he lit it for you.

What do you find
so fascinating
about Van Gogh's art?
You said.

It speaks to me
Benny said
more than any
other artist
I see movement
in his skies
and trees
and in the fields.

You inhaled deeply
and watched
as Benny spoke
about the Sunflower print
he bought and how
he gazes at it
as a kind of prayer.

You mused on him
sitting there
wishing you and he
were back in the tent
making out
on the sleeping bag
while the other girl
was with some other guy.

Benny had asked you
a question about Amsterdam
but you never heard
and didn't give a damn.