Sitter/painter/curator

“I go like a god to meet my maker,
Horus-shaven – that’s a bold marker
of true devotion, designed to spark a
divine blessing. And if I’m no looker,
       so much the better!”

“Lobe and lip and eyelash observed.
I note the subject’s clavus curved
around his young shoulder, his nerved
fervour that I’ve preserved – improved?
       So much the better.”

“’Encaustic on linden wood.’ And under
his chin, an amulet; his gender
seems plain. Time has been tender
with this face. Were the gods yet kinder?
       So much the better. . . .”