This painter always gives
Some quality of mystery
To his work. He’s a
Contemporary. His head,
In this self-portrait, is bent
Low as he walks. A brush
Of pink shows up to the side
Of his left arm. It is not
An angel’s wing. Someone
Must have some analysis
Of this painter’s motives.
He’s wearing a dark black
Sports coat with his shirt,
White, hanging out. He looks
Comfortable. But the Scots,
I am told, are all about rules.
Like my first wife: “You dress
Like a slob,” she said.
Glasgow, 2014
