Don't let that horse

Don't let that horse
eat that violin

cried Chagall's mother

But he
kept right on
painting

And became famous

And kept on painting
The Horse With Violin in Mouth

And when he finally finished it
he jumped up upon the horse
and rode away
waving the violin

And then with a low bow gave it
to the first naked nude he ran across

And there were no strings
attached

Lawrence Ferlinghetti's poem from "Coney Island of the Mind," refers to the work of the Russian painter Marc Chagall. Chagall's work was noted for its vibrant colors and combination of whimsy and seriousness. For a sense of Chagall's playfulness, visit this web gallery.

Marc Chagall, The Blue Violinist.