Graffiti

Lissome artwork adorns the cool, cracked city wall,
Lettering crafted carefully, expertly by palms rhapsodic.
Though three miles south of a revered museum hall,
This soul lives and breathes on rugged brick.

Alas, the man in black murders with silent diligence
Dark paint splattered and splotched onto brick canvas
Choking, smothering the deemed act of insolence.
"You are meant to be plain and bare," he says.

The child with the passion deemed too unusual
Slowly chokes on dark paint fed to her.
"You are meant to be plain and bare," says all.
Away with all gold or frankincense or myrrh.

O cruel humanity, veiling gifts with selfish restraint;
Evanescent beauty chokes on thick, dark paint.