A Fallacy

Alexander Knight

A Fallacy

I am not contented to look;

But even as my hand on glass—

Seeing the Mona Lisa,

Is controlled to show

No disrespect,

For what it would desecrate—

So I shall not press past the glass,

Of privacy, and respect,

And let this poem wave smudges,

Here, that all may know,

That work of art is beloved;

Dreaming me awake,

Here, in my fallacy,

Of complacent respect.

March 19, 2008