Red Rose

It wasn't until I’m in such a fix, writing
on the theme of love and beauty
that I understand Boris Anept’s mosaic.

It's said that his mosaic of Saint Anne
in the chapel of Christ the King Mullingar
looks like Anna Akhmatova.

We know Boris had an affair with Anna.
The rest stays hidden
in veils fogged like this red roses’ fragrance.

Their scent strong as though still on the stalk
where they opened, only this morning
to the sun, as I sip steaming cups of tea.

Emmanuel Jakpa

Archived 08/24/2010