gnome, in repose, August 2012

in the basement
of the swedish institute
my friend

points out a
gnome, seated,
in the foot and a half space
between the ceiling and the top
of the garish kakelugn

crossed ceramic knees
red-gartered
make knowing

immoble eyes
and the glazed lips
have a tiny curl
at the end
just before the brush
lifted away

perhaps
when you have sat
overseeing the same five
square feet of floor
since 1903

nothing seems simple
nor simply
ugly
and mirth
is the commonest beauty