the yellow eyes of richard southwell
"Die augen ein wenig gelbart"
The finished painting will be dated the tenth of July 1536
But it is on this spring day that I, Hans Holbein, draw you.
It is on this grey day that I take you to task. In the margin
I make sure to note the sickly yellow fact of your eyes.
Only five years ago they were mouthing blood of you
Yet money and ambition have levered you to court.
Monasteries fell through your palm as you became dirt rich
And richer, fat and scarred, Richard Southwell, I take you in.
Hours pass, and when I watch you leave it is dusk.
Alone in my studio I still have brushes to clean
But your face, I mean the face I made, watches impassively.
Only when sweet Elizabeth calls am I all done with art.
Stare on, Richard Southwell, while we lie and dream
For with brush, chalk and gall I shall admonish you.