Helianthus or sunflowers (from the Greek: ήλιος, Hēlios, “sun” and ανθός, anthos, “flower”)

Where the Sun Don’t Shine

Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”
Hung in me Mum’s Sun-room,
Welcoming rays
(That pierced each day)
Energy-saving,
Glare-reducing,
UV-rejecting,
Window film.

One wonders
If that gen-u-ine print
Of Helianthus plants
(intended for Gauguin’s gaze)
Was ever stoke-stroked by real Sun
In 50 years —
Except through
Filtered skin.

Decorating
An off-white house,
With pebbled roof,
Trimmed sills,
Wind-up windows,
& ever-conditioned
With fake cool-air —
& even cooler faux art.

All-departed,
Since me Mum passed:
Tables, chairs, knicker-knacks;
Bed, spoons, & paddy-whacks.
Van Gogh’s gone,
To a corner,
Where shadows lurk,
& no light lives.

“Where the Sun Don’t Shine” by j.s.lamb

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