Wanting Something Is Not The Same As Something Wanting

Henry examined the brush strokes under his glass loupe. Everything suggested that this never-before-seen-or-even-mentioned Vermeer was a fraud. Yet even the finest details appeared genuine, from the composition of the pigments to the physical deterioration of the canvas, and Henry was beginning to have his doubts. Confirming its authenticity could bring Henry tremendous fame and many new clients; but a later retraction would be humiliating and likely end his career. He almost wondered if he should wash his hands of the whole affair.

Eventually, Henry trusted his method. The work was authentic. Vemeer had indeed painted Four Beagles Playing Pinochle.

You Are The Method

I met the man with the train face at a strawberry picking. Where you buy the basket, scatter into the field, pick as many as you like or as will fit. He moved in a straight line, boring ever farther ahead, picking with one hand, then the other, then engineering the basket forward along the ground. When I was beside him, I could feel his breath like steam; his eyes seemed to let out more light than they took in. Full basket, he passed it to his wife. Her face was a station. She handed him a new, empty basket.

From Guest Contributor Ken Poyner