Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa only appears
to smile to everyone.
In reality
She does not see the crowds
Of tourists
Taking photos of themselves
On her background.
Her smile goes toward the depth
Of her inner beauty.
It lives there
And greets those who have reached
Deep enough to be revealed it.

Or maybe
She has seen millions.
She understands but remains silent.
Her smile is the only hint
That she knows us better
Than we shall ever know her
Or ourselves.
Indeed,
Why speak to us,
For what are to her our earthly matters
If she belongs with the immortal?

What shall I do?
I too have Mona Lisa in me.
But mine isn't calm and confident,
Undisturbed and nonchalant,
But rather wary and shy.
She has none of those things -
Thick glass to protect her from abuse,
Masterpiece status to give her immunity,
Layer of ages to give her the right of indifference.
The light of her smile flickers
As she shivers naked.

My museum is closed.
If they can't love the real Mona Lisa
Let them take their photos
In front of her painted image.