Cultural Art Show

I wander about the hall, the sale

mercifully small with just five Takumi

Any more would be less I realize

this morning after remembrance

I navigate the narrow channel of buyers 

anchor on Bill Toyota's water colours

Acrylics line the wall behind

folded fabric geisha, kanji on parchment 

practical rice bowls, whimsical fused glass, 

jewelry, fired clay fish, glazed eyes

Each piece signed with artist's seal

excess stock spilling off collapsible tables

like words from the sculptor's mouth

too long alone in the studio 

to realize flooding those who migrate past

makes choice impossible 

So I leave with my only trophy 

a small blue green watercolour

where pastel and shadow merge 

humpback breeching east coast waters

I breech the cool outdoors 

into late afternoon shadow

with the best from my friend's father

to honour them both