Blue Faces
Ernest Slyman
Understanding fully the function of art,
The natives of the island Mijjacca
Paint themselves red and orange and blue.
The Mijjacca are the makers of art, making ornaments
Out of clumps of blue clay,
Which they wear on special occasions--
Weddings and funerals, for example.
They see in our faces the faint traces
Of beauty and strength.
We think they study us,
But it may be they have fallen in love
With one of us or all of us.
The hopeless looks on their blue faces,
The quivering lips and the tender smiles
Are prevalent and most intrusive.
We haven't given our answer as yet.
We're not ready.
