An Empty Met

Have you ever heard silence in

The Met?

I find myself

ten rooms deep in the maze of art,

surrounded by human creation,

by myself.

Perfect peace.

(The occasional rustling of security’s keys)

I wander from the group,

my mind

seeking,

needing,

rest,

silence.

I tear up in front of Sappho.

Even marble turns smooth,

with enough care.

I see someone experience

the Egyptian watering pool

for the first time.

A room

usually filled with hundreds,

nearly empty.