Lipstick and Mascara

Lipstick and Mascara II 20 x 20 cm mixed media on paper

TO LIVE LIFE BETWEEN A BREATH

Contrary to expectations Isolda

stopped singing and Tristan froze

in space. The orchestra took industrial

action, walking out in mid-note, and the

conductor dropping his baton broke down

as Berlioz famously did, flinging himself over

the kettle drums, weeping copiously. Tristan says,

“Let’s make a move,” as Isolda slides forward and back

at the same time, seeming to defy physics,

but only in her mind. Smiles are what matter now. Words are

of less weight. Yet each encounter is a story. Narrative

abounds in an instantly bared shoulder; fingers press

yours as she hands you the change. A twitch

of sinew, all the flexed intensities of movement

caught in a web of unwavering attention. The conductor

walks slowly out of the theatre, climbs into a cab.

She’s from Puerto Rico, sits behind the wheel, will listen

to him, will change his life before the evening is over.