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On looking at the Mona Lisa

  • By Kay Wissinger

(Second thought!) The picture tantalizes. Is that smile A teasing trick of nature she possessed,

Seemingly enigmatic, all the while

No riddle really there - a curious jest?

Or is there hidden in those upcurved lips

And distant look about her deep grave eyes,

A secret we would share; as passing ships

Hail one another, far from native skies?

We are enamored by the mystery

Of this strange smile. Is there a hint of tears

Which give to it a haunting poignancy

Caught by the artist for the wondering years?

Or did he, with amused capricious guile,

Himself add mystery to an empty smile?

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