SELF-PORTRAIT

Couldn’t he hire a model? Why does he choose
Himself for a “subject”? A dozen times at least
Rembrandt studied himself, a pudding-faced
And aging, richly costumed Dutchman who’s

Content to stare in a mirror for hours at a time.
What does he see that he didn’t see before?
The flesh is sagging. Must he still explore
The downward rhythm of time, the lines that climb

Across the cheeks, around the eyes, the splotchy
Skin? And yet the eyes are still serene,
Inquiring, still intent, intense, with keen
Desire to witness the passing life and watch

Unfearing the surface wither, fade, diminish,
And savor the ripening mystery within.

(150, March 24, l994)

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