This is the-- I'll read the title poem of this book.
You really can't see it, I think.
But that's a preliminary sketch that Seurat did of the couple
for his painting, "Afternoon on the Grand Jatte."
And the poem which derives loosely from that painting
is titled, Stars Which See, Stars Which Do Not See.
They sat by the water.
The fine women had large breasts, tightly checked.
At each point, at every moment, they seemed happy by the water.
The women wore hats like umbrellas,
or carried umbrellas shaped like hats.
The men wore no hats.
And the water-- which wore no hats--
had that well-known mirror finish which tempts sailors.
Although the men and women seemed at rest,
they were looking toward the river--
and some way out into it-- but not beyond.
The scene was one of hearts and flowers.
Though this may be unfair.
Nevertheless, it was probable that the sun had hurt them.
That they were taken back by its beauty.
To where a slight breeze broke the mirror, and then
its promise--
but never the water.