Beauty

Back in the early 2000’s, 

When I still sold my photos in galleries, 

I took a book of my best work 

To a portfolio review session, 

Hoping to be invited to show more broadly, 

And I remember the reviewer 

Turned up her nose and said,

 “These are just beauty shots. 

The best you can hope for 

Is to sell them to resellers,

 To use as illustrations.” 

 I remember being asked 

At a gallery opening 

 For a show of my photographs,

 “What camera do you use?

 I’m sure I could get photos this good 

If I had a camera like yours.” 

 I’ve been shooting with my phone ever since, 

And giving those pics away Every day. 

What beauty we can find 

In this oh-so-troubled world 

Is solace, and deserves to be shared.