Private Art Gallery Poem by Nika McGuin

I stood so close to the painting
observing incarnate beauty in the creator's
mottled paint strokes and lush use of color
absorbed the imperfections, as perfection itself

I stood so close, I could smell the paint!
vibrant and oil-based, slightly stringent in odor
I slid my fingers across the bumpy canvas
a terrain of dark mountains and mystery
enamored by the incredible art piece

This is how I envision everyone in my life
this is how I love anyone, like a complex
work of art. Every painting has its allure
a "je ne sais quoi" which provokes awe in viewers

No matter the flaws - or perhaps
because of them, my focus
is on the highlights of people I love
those exquisite traits I admire
not readily seen at first glance

Call it realism,
call it photography:
I keep snapshots of my favorite parts of you
your best angles, your sharp profile
I hold onto the good I know is locked within

Even when it ceases to be true
even when the flaws force me to leave you
my idealized version hangs fixed where I can always find it
in my private art gallery, subtitled: "You, As Seen by Me."