Patricia Wellingham- Jones

Double Image


Frida Kahlo's Self-Portrait with Monkeys, ca. 1938


The man hoists his five-year-old

to shoulders burly in Hawaiian print.

Chin resting on his crown,

her straight pale hair mingles

with the beard curling brown.


Absorbed in Frida Kahlo's self portrait,

her face framed by monkeys

whose too-long arms

clasp and claim the artist,

he holds his daughter safe.


The pair, unaware

of the picture they make,

turn away, turn back,

eyes trapped

by Frida's sad substitute.



I Watch Your Hands     


I watch your hands

slowed like the cold oil

in the '89 Camry

crouching undriven

in our driveway.


I wait, beam

at you thoughts

of warmer days


and hands callused,

probing crevices,

tender on my skin,

as you fumble your fork

to your waiting mouth.



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