Colouring Gaugin

When I think of you
my thoughts are yellow
tinged with red,
not the cool shades
of lemon or cadmium
(like the yellow Christ)
but more the warm ochre of
golden light on lady-skin
and sensuous
heated loving
in a terracotta landscape.

Then perhaps vermillion
or alizarin crimson
for the burning-red
redheads of Ondine
or Christ
(the one with your face)
in the Garden Of Olives.

Confident in your uniqueness
you sign your signature
not in blood
but in that same
shade of crimson.

Now when I think of you
my thoughts are red
tinged with yellow,
leaving me breathless
with emotion.