French School 19th Century (Artist Unknown)
“I’m Glad You Like It. I Call It ‘Mercury Stepping in Dog Poop,'” 1877
Oil on panel
Follow That Is Priceless on Social Media and GoComics (the Link button):
Click to Follow This Blog or Share This Masterpiece:
/// Henri studied the statue’s bare feet.
The god Mercury, (known to be fleet),
had heel-wings so petite,
despite how fast they beat,
that to claim he flew seemed like deceit.
/// Mankind’s dream of winged flight is profound,
but could these lift him off of the ground?
Plus, they’re too far, alas,
from his center of mass.
They’re not ærodynamically sound.
/// With this metaphor we’ve been impressed:
that our children should each “leave the nest.”
If you’ve raised your kids right
they’re prepared to take flight,
(but for some a short glide might be best).
/// Though a hummingbird’s wings sustain flight
and allow them to hover, despite
being so very small,
Hummingbirds do not fall
’cause their bodies are tiny and light.
/// Could it be the solution was that
the god also had wings on his hat?
No, he’d need a chin strap
to get lift from each flap;
if he lost his lid, then he’d go splat.
/// Graceful movements he’s able to mime
because Mercury must be “on time”
as the messenger god,
but his gold color’s odd.
Should be silvery, (just like his dime).