Van Gogh’s Bed by Jane Flanders

is orange,

like Cinderella's coach, like

the sun when he looked it

straight in the eye.

is narrow, he sleeps alone,

tossing between two pillows,

while it carried him

bumpily to the ball.

is clumsy,

but friendly. A peasant

built the frame; and old wife beat

the mattress till it rose like meringue.

is empty,

morning light pours in

like wine, melody, fragrance,

the memory of happiness.