Artwalk POETRY and ART

My Name, Alexander Vertinsky

Zanni mask intrigues you, yes?
Leather nose droops long
Too bold?
A lover’s gift, from shop in Venice
How pleased she was with private show
I am poet. Am ballad singer
My songs, romantic hearts unfold
And if heart’s beneath full bosom,
soft pleasures fall upon Pantalone

Many generous women, I have loved,
but heart ‘s not game for trap
Vertinsky’s love belongs to stage
Fast women help soul relax
I was star before Revolution
painted tears on many masks
Motherland filled skirts with murder
Was forced to flee before arrest

I crossed sea, found job in China
For quarter century I stay
Then Molotov sends letter
Begs me return, no delay
I make them laugh, my fallen brothers,
sweet widows dressed in black each day
For them, I wear black also,
and sing to lift sad tears away

*Visit artist Wesley Bates' web site: www.wesleybates.com

Visit poet Chris Butler's web site:
www.creakingconscience.com

Visit the Carnegie Gallery web site: www.carnegiegallery.org