Tantalizing Shapes Poem by Denis Mair

(in response to a series of preparatory studies for a large abstract canvas, by John Atkin, dated Dec.31,2023) [*]
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Tantalizing, because the gradients of color are meted out by a scheme I don't know;

The shapes are suitable for setting off the sheerest thresholds of contrast...

Color's value is shown off all the more where distinguishing it takes attention,

As if a continuum of shading went through stages of infra-mince,

Leaving a record of shift and tension, a fertile search for equilibrium.

The tiling of of shapes across the surface is irregular but integrated,

As if the sections had been given some degree of agency during formation;

They functioned as biomorphs as they sought a mutual accommodation,

Insinuating themselves into interstices among each other, obeying energizing signals,

Generating internal warmth, pulling each other like the slowest taffy

Until the embarrassments of fleshly over-and-underreach made themselves felt,

Until congealment took over and they settled into stony shapes,

But still the history of their warm churn is written in their interlock.