12"x4.5"x3.5" abaca, kozo, cotton linters, newspaper, steel, resin, paint by Mattie O. Rose
Wrapped in papyrus and mystery
the harlequin twirls and spins
her paper layers providing wings
for leaping and gliding
fluttering and clattering
like wind-tossed aspen leaves
her audience
spellbound by the lithe quality
of her spirit
claps and roars with delight
springing to their feet
as she tosses her head toward them
grateful that she is seen
not for her soignée appearance
or her haute couture wrapping
but for the absolute joy
contained in her impossible lightness
2022 Karen Stuth
