Poems of the Week

What the Well-Dressed Emperor is Buying

by Iris Herriot

“Artist sells invisible sculpture for over 18K
The 67-year-old explained in a video that ‘you don’t see it but it exists;
it is made of air and spirit.’”
New York Post

The sculpture I acquired this week
Is necessarily unique:
No empty auction-room caprice,
But true, unspotted masterpiece.
All day I proudly, vainly gaze,
While music ambiently plays
Whose aptitude you’ll quickly gauge:
That famous oeuvre by John Cage.
I’ve done my best to guarantee
My purchase’s pristinity;
Accordingly, there’s not a speck
Of signature upon the cheque.