Viewed from a certain angle, she reaches toward
Some figure: a suiter? Though with no head!
Leave indictments of his state for now, instead
Note that she who stands behind is frankly bored:
She’s surely not the focus of this scene –
But has, perhaps, the distance to conclude
Though dashing is the suiter, some dark brood
Evidently foists itself between.
She fans herself in rapture, or, distracted,
Turns to seek the interloper’s eyes.
Then Perspective, or some trick of mind, exacted
Reprieve from chaos. Or just relief from lies?
Time is the moment’s mirror, and she saw:
Love's illusion is its necessary flaw.
* An image that is distorted but appears “correct” in a curved mirror or vase.
(By the way, a more contemporary treatment of anamorphosis can be found here in these stunning platters by Luc d'Hanis & Sofie Lachaert. I covet them beyond measure, but, alas, they appear not to be for sale.)
