a tuning fork in an ambrotype...

and there he sits

amidst

the chemical reactions to the glass, as if

the sound from his tuning fork - so still

and present upon his thigh -

is visible.

his hand perhaps

resting upon some scientific equation,

or the words towards some

alchemical spell,

his index finger touching a first word of acoustic revelation

or the last word in a sequence

revealing a magic.

his notes rest upon a book closed,

while an acidic chemical rainbow

hovers just above his head - and ears -

like a sheet lost to the wind.

two black scars like snakes fallen from trees,

parenthesis or cupped hands

as he becomes a voice.

his chest glows, his whole body

is listening...

(a rare ambrotype featuring a man holding a tuning fork, circa 1870, one of my favorite recent acquisitions).