Our myths and legends are filled with tales of shape-shifting, fantastical creatures, from vampires who change into bats and hunan beings who morph into werewolves under the influence of a full moon. Naturally, most shape-shifting creatures are pure fiction, however, I recently encountered twelve in an ordinary setting.
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Shape-shifters
Twelve of them walk into the room
fuss around boxes
assemble workspaces.
I am seated, draped
on a chez long as they
circle around me poised to strike.
The small silver haired man
shape-shifts into a hawk
perched on the back of a chair.
His steely eyes meet mine
then his intense stare
scans my legs, my hands.
The secretary bird
peers around her easel
measuring me up with a ruler
first vertical, then horizonal.
The big black bear
is a little too close
he growls and sighs
his hot breath brushing my skin.
The crane stands side on
and struts her left eye droops
half closed.
The elephant in the room
stands at the back
rooting in a plastic bag.
A badger scrapes among
her pastels taking time
to settle until she finds
the perfect tone.
The jackdaw sees
in monochrome
the peacock in colour.
The fox holds up a pencil
then disappears behind his screen
finally dipping his brush
into paint.
I sit, scrutinized stalked by
these creatures.
After a while the elephant
leaves the room.
Then when time is up
the others shape shift
back into human form
put on coats
then depart clutching
their portraits of me.
Thank you for reading. Adele
9 comments:
I go between the Elephant in the room and the snake in the grass. Nice writing Adele.
Very good. 👏
A great idea for a poem, I loved some of the caricatures, specially the fox dipping his brush. (Chaise longue?) How long did you sit for?
Two hours this time but I an going back in a ballgown for 4 hours
Loved the poem. Were you allowed to shift your shape???
I enjoyed your poem, a great idea. Loved the wolf moon picture too.
I too have sat for life classes, so I know how intimidating it can be. This was great fun, I love the poem, though what happened to the other three?
I love the poem Adele, an inspired take on being an artists' model as you observed them observing you. You've conjured up some delightfully apt depictions of those shape-shifters' characteristics. A shame none of them gave you their portrait of you to keep.
A fabulous take on the theme. All of the characters come to life and I can imagine them in a semi circle around you.
My favourite is the elephant in the room - who after a while leaves.
It's a terrific poem.
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