STILL LIFE WITH VAN GOGH’S EAR

Pink chrysanthemums melt and spread across the surface of the black-bound bible. To the left, a clear glass jar of yellow pencils, each with a small, fierce face and tiny wings. The ear, no longer fresh, has dropped a bit of blood on the Spanish lace table covering. Outside the thinly-curtained window, the sun shines over a field of what we presume are red poppies. At least, that’s what we’re meant to presume.