Manet’s Asparagus
Naked as an
odalisque posed
so the buttocks
are visible,
and the hip,
and one Heaven-
aimed nipple.
Slim canoe
edging a pewter
lake ridged by
wind, vessel
weathered from
going so long
un-rowed.
Rare white stalk
limp, indigo-
tipped flowers
the doomed
mouth of Christ
saying, This
is my body.
