'After Altamira, Everything Is Decadence', Pablo Picasso Poem by Roy Ernest Ballard

A painter left his easel for a day
to see the art in Altamira's cave
and from that vision never fell away.

He realised what the painted rocks display,
at once became their champion and slave.
A painter left his easel for a day

because he thought he knew what art should say
and those who understand it should be brave
and from that courage never fall away

but then he saw his doctrine in decay
beside an art long buried in a grave
and from that vision never fell away.

Ten thousand years ago with coloured clay,
with bits of rock, with limestone to engrave
a caveman pictured creatures of his day.

Though ages pass this ancient art shall stay
in joyous recreation, agnus Dei.
A painter left his easel for a day
and from that vision never fell away.