Other Nights 1970 Poem by Terry Collett

After we set up our tents
Miriam and I
walked into Madrid.

We went to the Pr ado
looked at the art
at the Fra Angelicos
and Titians.

Then we had coffee
in a cafe.

I see you liked
the Eve painting
by Durer
she said.

Yes I like that
I said
and the Venus paintings
by Titian.

What is it with men
and nude paintings
always out to look
at nudity
she said.

We enjoy the beauty
of God's creation
the artists were not
ashamed to show
that why hide what
God made
so beautifully?
I said.

So God made my
beautifully
nudity then?
she said.

Of course
I said
mind you I'll need
to see it again
to comment further
can't see that much
in the darkness
of the tent.

She sipped
her coffee
we will see
that was a fluke
that that girl
I share with
was off with another
for the day
seeing the cathedral
in the Burgos
and other sights.

Shame she's not away
more and elsewhere
I said
for other nights.