Never Quite Settled

In the books on interior design, they call it a vignette.
a still life setting in the next room,
framed by a door or window, a scene so appealing
it draws you in, makes you want to move

from where you are to where the appealing image sits
so prettily. It was an art for certain periods in history.
The Gilded Age, the Victorians, all prim and proper,
were cognizant of the concept. They employed it consciously.

It leaves you imagining a life, moving room to room,
always drawn to the next one, never quite taking in
the room you are in. Always drawn. Never settled.
You wonder – as you move further and further in

the maze of the house, now with doors all around,
each with their own decorated vignette, how do you choose?
Do you ever settle and let the room seep into your soul?
Are you ever satisfied?

About this poem

My sister was visiting up here from Virginia this week. One of the concepts that came up often was the concept of having enough, and how so many people never do. I do and I have for many years, and that contributes mightily to my peace. Or it is a poem about the Gilded Age.
Poetry is never about one thing,

The photograph was taken at Olana, home to Frederic Edwin Church, the founder of the Hudson River school of art.

Tom