scared that the heater or air conditioner might be faulty at the museum. i take the time to imagine the consequences.

option one:
it becomes so cold that the frames begin to crack (like my skin),
paintings rip and a thin layer of ice sends the evenly hung pieces
down to the floor. these paintings once floating have anchored.

option two:
heat waves (sweat). drips of paint drop like artistic atomic bombs.
wait, what?
blank canvases framed inflame. fire hot stove-top rims.

paint is up to my knees
a vietnam battle place
inside egg-walls;
broken down high school