Thrilled To Bits

By profession I’m an artist
In ceramics and in paint
Where with talent, flair, devotion
I create modern and quaint.
Some time back I was invited
To exhibit in Milan
So I worked in clay and managed
A good abstract, with elàn.
Finished touches to perfection
Could not be more right than this
[that’s unless it needs comparing
With pronounced marital bliss!]
My ‘Blue Nude’ was done and ready
Fast approached the special day
When my work of art would proudly
Be presented on display.
On the eve my phone starts ringing
It’s an urgent call for me
So with haste and trepidation
To the “Arte d’Italy”*
I go straight in yellow taxi
And rush in to see what’s wrong:
There, more abstract than true abstract
[to cut short a story long]
Lay my masterpiece in ruins
Many pieces, broken parts
On the floor deprived of  beauty
A disgrace to all the arts.
I let out a cry of anguish
And my friend curator came
With big smile of satisfaction
Said: “You’re welcome to the game!
Just a little joke, amico,
Now at last we’ll call it quits
I’ve been waiting to get even
Pay-back time:) I’m thrilled to bits!
I planned this to every detail
And then got you to come round;
Your ‘Blue Nude’ is in that corner
As you see, it’s safe and sound.”


[* to be pronounced: ar-te-dee-ta-lee]
--------------------------------------------------

Author: Paul Callus ~ 29th March 2014
Contest: I Was Right
Sponsor: Verlena S. Walker
Placing: 1st
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ward Avatar
March 26, 2015 at 11:36 AM
I found this a gripping poem from start to finish, Paul. Hugs, Julia, xx
Callus Avatar
March 26, 2015 at 3:57 PM
Thank you, Julia. It was meant to be entertaining; finding it gripping is even better! Hugs // paul
Davis Avatar
May 8, 2014 at 10:51 PM
Paul This is quite an interesting and fun write that captures the reader and keeps them involved till the end. Thank you for the nice comment on my Cowboys poem.
Callus Avatar
May 9, 2014 at 2:36 AM
Hi Robin! Thank you for stopping by and leaving such lovely comments. [still trying to work out your avatar!] will be back to you:) // paul
A. Sharma Avatar
April 9, 2014 at 9:22 AM
Brilliant imagery in this one Paul !! Had to be a top winner !! Many congrats !
Callus Avatar
April 9, 2014 at 11:48 AM
You're very kind DR. Thank you for the lovely comments. // paul
Walker  Avatar
April 9, 2014 at 1:58 AM
Congratulations on your first place win in my contest Paul. smiles and hugs Verlena
Callus Avatar
April 9, 2014 at 3:05 AM
Wow! Verlena :) Thanks a lot...that's the first good news this morning after waking up to a washing machine that went bust!! Thank you also for the smiles and hugs...much appreciated :) Looking forward to your next contest :) // paul
Allison Avatar
April 5, 2014 at 7:23 PM
Excellent write Paul - so pleased I read the other comments to learn it wasn't real - had me hooked from start to finish. Good luck in the contest. Jan x
Callus Avatar
April 6, 2014 at 9:11 AM
Ever so pleased to have you on here again dear Jan; thank you for the lovely comments + best wishes. :) // paul
Thomas Avatar
April 5, 2014 at 7:42 AM
Wow. when I came to the part where the "blue nude" is apparently shredded to pieces, I actually felt sad. This is a good write.
Callus Avatar
April 5, 2014 at 9:09 AM
Thank you Angie; didn't mean to make you sad :) after all it's only a fun poem :) :) always glad to have you stopping by. // paul
Bauer Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 10:11 AM
if this is a true story, it's a great practical joke, but I hope you were able to laugh about it after you realized it wasn't really broken. I loved the way you've told the story...
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Hi Ilene..no, it did not really happen to me, but once I did something similar to my mum...drew zig-zagging lines across the window pane with a thin piece of soap. It gives the impression of cracked glass. She fell for it :) // paul
O.J. Hunt Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 10:09 AM
Really liked this Paul! Ah, the trials and tribulations of an artist.... Bravo!
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 11:01 AM
Well, at least there was a happy ending! Keith txs for stopping by and commenting. cu // paul
May Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 10:01 AM
Great story...It was a fun read
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Thank you Joseph. I'll be happy if it just brings a little smile to somebody :) // paul
Lamoureux Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 8:59 AM
Clever title, clever write! I enjoyed this tale Paul. It is great to start my day with levity.
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 10:56 AM
Thank you Richard; they say (don't ask me who!) that humour/laughter is the spice of life (as long as the dose is not over the limit). glad you enjoyed it. // paul
Chircop Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 1:43 AM
I love this poem..and it must reflect something more about you..or reveal your artistry in paintimg.So,you are multi-talented and that is awesome.Nothing better than to combine poetry with art.This is an entertaining poem,and oooch..I love the negative twist followed by the positive twist towards the end.Awesone!!
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 3:11 AM
Good morning Charm:) Sorry you had an hour less sleep...will make it up to you in a few months time :) Glad you liked fun-poem; sometimes I do get in such moods; can't take life too seriously. // Pls notice that I have now changed the title & a couple of words, and added a smiley, plus a footnote :) // paul
Chircop Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 1:44 AM
awesome..sorry for typo :)
Dietrich Avatar
March 29, 2014 at 11:01 PM
Gosh, you are multi talented. not only a painter but a teller of a good story and a poet!! I hope this scores high marks!
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 3:08 AM
Thank you Andrea; you flatter me:) Pls notice that I have now changed the title & a couple of words, and added a smiley, plus a footnote :) // paul
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
March 29, 2014 at 6:42 PM
talented Paul.... such creative mind and hands........... :) :D! with that experience, i can just put a tongue-out smiley.. :D but well your friend is naughty sweet one.. :D ==== olive_eloi curious of other paintings you made.. :D :P
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 3:53 AM
Just noticed soup-mail; will answer soon :)
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 3:35 AM
hahaha much better.. :) teacher :) wow!!!
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 2:48 AM
Pls notice that I changed the title & a couple of words, and added a smiley, plus a footnote :) // paul
Chircop Avatar
March 30, 2014 at 1:40 AM
Yes the hr forward...and one hr less sleeping :.)
Callus Avatar
March 29, 2014 at 6:51 PM
well, in real life(leaving joking aside) apart from having been a teacher, I also dabble in painting, so there is a bit of art somewhere :) goodnight...in Malta it's now 12.51am and today we put the clock forward by an hour. // paul
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace