1. Gauguin quit playing stockbroker,
sailed to Tahiti
painted thick Polynesian women
with seven toes.
Sent dozens of canvases back to Paris,
sold only four.
Died alone, island-bound, for his fantasies.
2. Wish I could say I would wish to rescue Tripoli, feed Darfur.
I want to do Zumba
stretch to Salsa
wearing a ballet leotard
my high arched feet
on cool concrete.
