A Patron of the Arts

By examining the lines on his palm
she recognised the extent of his artistry.
As always she was composed and calm
because she was the queen of palmistry.

What he needed was a patron of the arts,
a good woman who could pamper him
in spite of the fact he mixed with tarts.
The outlook could not have been more grim.

She was very determined to reform him
and to make an honest man of this bloke.
Her chances to succeed might be slim;
she could be buying a pig in a poke.

There was no proof that he could paint
but his anatomical features were flawless
and, whether he was a devil or a saint,
she was tempted to ascertain his prowess.

In the final analysis she needed to decide:
she could be his benefactor and his muse
or alternatively be his bit on the side;
either way she felt she could not lose.

© Luigi Pagano 2009