CHARACTER

An old man stands in the middle 

Of one of Sebastiano Ricci's figure studies

His right arm is half-extended;

Two, maybe three, fingers are raised

In what could be a blessing 

But might mean he wants directions

Or is signalling he'd like a ride.

Meanwhile, the surrounding figures 

Snub him, stare at him, talk to him,

Or pretend they don't see him because 

They're inexplicably fascinated by

Their own feet which probe the shallows

Of a wide and invisible river.

He's not sure who he is but is willing

To be a Greek philosopher or Time or Moses

Or your grandfather's father's ghost who,

If he can only find you, will offer

Some bits of really useful advice.