In the centre of

the major retrospective

there is a door

which you open.

As you open it

certain nerves

in the face

are jangled

artificially:

you smile.

The smile becomes

the property of

The Artist.

Beyond the door

is a room

and another door.

You walk over to the door.

The catalogue says

‘The door will not be locked’

but the catalogue also

is part of The Art.

The door is locked.

The door you came through

is locked. The Artist

has served The Art well.

As you stand there

certain nerves

in the eyes

are jangled

artificially:

you weep.

The tears become

the property of

The Artist

You dig to keep warm.

The Artist arrests you for digging.

The Artist smashes your head

for pounding on the door.

The Artist prevents you

from walking to the door.

All this is part of The Art.

The Artist has refined The Art well.

IAN McMILLAN