{weekend words}

Odd how one wants to touch not simply stare,

To run one's finger over the flanks and arms,

Not to possess, rather to be possessed. 

Bronze is bright to the eye but under the hands

Is cool and calming. Gods into silent metal.

from Elizabeth Jennings (1926-2001), 'Greek Statues' in Song for a Birth or a Death (1961).

Colossal bronze hand (?Constantine; 4th century AD), 

Capitoline Museums, Rome. Source: author 2010.