Across the room, above the table lamp.

 

        It was just a black & white painting but something about it had snagged my attention.  I wasn’t sure what this was, were these figures people or just odd blotches?  Were they building something or pulling pieces off of something larger.  It was kind of eerie and yet mesmerizing.  I liked it, I think.

      

       Most of the gallery was filled with typical color landscapes, farm scenes or portraits of bored faces.  There were no surprises, just lame paintings, both new and old, all lacking imagination. Even those that tried to copy the great masters seemed to lack flair and style.  They were all just playing with color.

 

       Of everything there I kept being drawn back to the black & white.  The only blotch I couldn’t ignore was the one in the corner that said, $1800.oo.  There was no way I was about to spend that kind of money on something that had only questions.  What is this thing?  What was the artist trying to say?  I wonder if the price is negotiable.

    Even if I go home without it, this image is now stuck in my head, but how can I?  I already know right where I'll put it.