Painting of the Beard

The beard unfurls off the frame.

Constantly in growth, and tireless

in its slow push towards you. Notice

each strand is a channel of grace

concealing the face—growing inward

and outward. Catching the conception within,

and the soup without. Tickling the lip.

The beard was painted with a single colour

and just one tube of oil—as the viewer

moves away, each strand can be seen

tangling in minute growth.

                                        It is shaved

biannually to not obscure neighbouring pieces

and because the museum was sued when a patron

tripped on the floor beneath

and was lost in the tangles of Eternity.

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