For many hours at this painting I have gazed,
Trying to make some sense of the painted strokes,
But do hope the painter would not to be fazed,
To learn of confusion his art evokes.

Is that half a large dog or a headless horse?
What hidden meaning in the shapes do we find?
The hairy face with an inkling of remorse,
For thinking with the heart rather than the mind?

The abstract yellow lines that the canvas crossed,
A visible background in a dusty cream,
Bands of red and green, blue cup carelessly tossed,
What is its sense, what philosophical theme?

With deep sorrow and regret I must confess,
My attempt to understand has met no success.