Attributions

of natural sympathies
to female artists

imply that as women
they must harbor

maternal feelings.
Inaccurate assumptions

demean and undermine
women’s skills as fine artists

— enshrouding capabilities
as mere reflected instincts.

Such maculate misconceptions
deserve no more words –

so, we view Cassatt painting
at her easel — instead.

. . . . .

Poet: Susan Powers Bourne
Sources: The Feminine Gaze and
Cassatt with Easel by Debbie Ritter
Process: Pick-mix selection