David Olsen
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Please Do Not Touch 
Barbara Hepworth, Talisman II, 1960 
white marble, Ashmolean Museum


I read the boldface admonition 
before I see the marble piece itself; 
its cowering corner placement obstructs 
the abstract form’s back and side, and hides 
the third dimension. Still, the satin sheen 
draws me close, closer, within easy reach 
of cool and smooth forbidden skin. 
 
Suddenly this talisman summons you – 
magically, miraculously – here. The urge 
to touch and caress is irresistible. 
Imagining your secret garden in these curves,  
I hear a voice like water, and smell 
your wetness. The guard hovers nearby, 
vigilant. Another time, another place. 

 
Reprinted from Acumen 71,
© David Olsen  2011.
Reprinted from Octopus, 
Templar Poetry, © David Olsen 2012.
Reprinted from Sailing to Atlantis, 
Finishing Line Press, © David Olsen  2013.
Reprinted from Unfolding  Origami, 
Cinnamon Press, © David Olsen  2015.
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