The Irises and the Gun

Van Gogh's "Irises" next to a guard with a gun In a museum by the sea - It was to be a pleasant weekend excursion For my young son and me. I wanted to show him treasures of the world, My boy to enlighten - But strange conflicting feelings in me swirled, To attract, yet to frighten. The lessons learned that day were many As I held tightly to his hand - Things that are even hard for me to see, He tried to understand. The world is filled with grace and beauty, But I could not mislead - Lurking in dark corners, there is also Violence, ugliness and greed. Van Gogh's "Irises" next to a guard with a gun In a museum by the sea - It was to be a pleasant weekend excursion For my young son and me.