The Midas Touch

Today, he’d be, affectionately, Gus. At fourteen, his talent was precocious But his paintings of women caused a fuss. To this, his reaction was ferocious Ending in apoplectic rages plus Tsunamis of swearwords quite atrocious. A lot of Klimt’s patrons were mesmerized But critics and public were scandalized. His paintings, too erotic for that time, Those works of wonder from his Golden Phase: “Tragedy”, “Judith”, and “The Kiss” still chime Striking instant chords with us as we gaze At the work of an artist in his prime With flowing lines and colors that amaze As magical as ancient alchemy Creating his own immortality. Klimt’s conduct with women was outrageous. Although it appears he never married Females within his reach were courageous. He wore no undies and those who tarried Found this naked state disadvantageous As many were bribed, cajoled, and harried Such that he fathered fourteen kids, at least. He must have been a really sexy beast. But this aside, he had the Midas touch That turned his paintings into solid gold Literally and commercially - so much He never worried about being sold. Buyers came knocking at his door as such Begging portraits. So, in the money rolled. His art charmed both Fascists and civilians - Gus’s paintings now cost many millions.