Tim Skeen
Cartier-Bresson’s Photo of Matisse
The two Henris aren’t even looking
at each other. With his right hand
Matisse sketches a dove he holds
in his left. The wartime light, weak
as ersatz coffee, filters through the curtains.
Outside the window, General Von Choltitz
considers Hitler’s order to blow up Paris
with the last of the black-and-white century.
From behind his camera, Cartier-Bresson
watches for the Allies while, wrapped
in an overcoat and scarf, Matisse knows
he can’t afford to pause for even this moment.
