For Ariel on her 20th

Ariel Mermaid

If I could, I would give you juicy words bound in pages

that would let you take flight

or dissolve yourself in the colors and shapes

of the Modern masters on silky smooth and glossy plates

But my gift will be virtual

and without paper boundaries

so we can visit beautiful Tuscany

and sit in the shade of a cypress and paint

Then stroll into town

and order espressos from someone young and dark

and beautiful

with languid eyes the color of Roman coffee

Paulo, I think, or maybe Tomaso

And I will tell you of the places we must travel

to London and Sydney and San Francisco

to see the irreverent street art 

of the brilliant Banksy

Or to Barcelona

where all things Gaudi

will give us fresh eyes

when we visit Senor Picasso

When our feet are tired

I will tell you of other places

bizarre and symbolic and Dali-esque world

of Mark Ryden

And the realm saturated in color and form

by LK Perella

Or alive with line and motion

from the hand of Jesse Reno

And along the way

there will be smaller travels

to mine the tiny gems of Georgia O'Keefe

Or the great Henri Matisse

But mostly, Ariel, I want to give you food

for inspiration

and contemplation

and ways to see the world 

both fresh and deep.

Happy Birthday, Ariel.

Once a merchild, you now walk upon legs of your own.

May all your journeys be full of wonder and joy and discovery.