Starlike

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Blackie, the Electric Rembrandt

We watch through the shop-front while
Blackie draws stars - an equal
concentration on his and
the youngster's faces. The hand
is steady and accurate;
but the boy does not see it
for his eyes follow the point
that touches (quick, dark movement!)
a virginal arm beneath
his rolled sleeve: he holds his breath.

...Now that it is finished, he
hands a few bills to Blackie
and leaves with a bandage on
his arm, under which gleam ten
stars, hanging in a blue thick
cluster. Now he is starlike.

Thom Gunn

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