watch this, he said
pulled out
a straight razor
and began
carving big
sinuous strips
of flesh
this is high art,
he said
the highest,
the best,
and the most
i have to
offer you.
this is the rhythm
and flow of
my soul.

they all cheered
but were still
unsatisfied
and called out
for more,
give us more!
the way you
cut and slash
is unaesthetic
inadequate and
decidedly low
brow.
this is cultural
buffoonery,
they jeered,
and you must
give us more!