In the Kunsthistorisches Museum there are
Seventeen paintings of Judith
Holding the Head of Holofernes and fourteen
Of Salome with Saint John's Head on a Platter
Advantage: Judiths. But Judiths need one hand
To hold Holofernes' head; Salomes' platters can rest
On a ledge or a table. Advantage: Salomes.
One of the Judiths -- the one Cranach painted
In 1530 -- is also Heintz' Judith from 1600;
She hasn't even bothered to change her dress,
Her expression or her floppy red hat.
Sometimes she leaves both heads
On Salome's platter and goes for a cup
Of herbal tea in the employees' break room.
When she comes back she takes a head
And calls it Holofernes. No real matter;
They look pretty much the same.
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