American Girlfriend versus American Art

Bare skin is something. It is not rouge.

It is not the color of green weeds.

It is not the color of something

light blue like something

ghastly or eerie or strange.

It is a masterpiece without paint.

It does not resemble an alien’s skin.

What one sees in a filmed invasion.

What humans kill and cover in dust.

When the science fiction movie ends.

You are not a masterpiece, thank God.

Our museum is in your bedroom. 

Our movie screen is in my bedroom.

You said, “I don’t wear make-up.”

I fell in love. I know I will never touch

a painting in a museum. 

I never wanted to.

But you, you are the Guide . . .