ALARMING BEAUTY OF THE SKY, THE

Mary Cassatt. Two Studies

61 Mary Cassatt.Two Studies I. Patience [After “YoungThomas and His Mother”—pastel] She props him on the couch after his nap. He’s damp and warm. He whimpers, will she let Him see her necklace? Afternoons are wet And heavy since July. He finds her lap Too sweltering, her dress does not feel nice Against his skin. He much prefers the cold Metallic chain, the locket made of gold. She sniffs his tender arm, that sweet, rare spice. He’s glad Papá has gone away for now— Mamá reclines her head and pays no heed To passing time, dexterity or speed. Unlike Papá’s “Let me. I’ll show you how,” She quietly lets him try.The halves divide A little world with ticking hands inside. 62 II.The Envelope [after “The Letter”—color print with drypoint and aquatint] Olivia’s at her desk and vainly tries To end a letter carefully begun, Inviting him (nerves flash behind her eyes) To come to tea next week at half-past one. The wallpaper creates a little park, A curling hedge of safe, ungiving thought. Her dampened brow knits rows of question marks Entwined with wisps of hair. Her throat grows hot At sealing up the letter with her tongue— So intimate an act will never do. And yet she doesn’t like to keep a sponge, Endures, instead, the pungent taste of glue. She lays the letter down upon the blotter And smooths her bodice, while her throat grows hotter. ...