“No contracts, No Matisse!”

“No contracts, No Matisse!”
state then stream the striking workers,
decibel levels consistently increased

neither pastel chalk
nor paint – watercolor or oil
can suppress the toil

Matisse well known for his preference
for bold colors and paper scissor art
unionized museum staff do their part

as I listen to picketers, I wonder what the
museum’s permanent collections/artists
both named and unknown / might think
–    like the working conditions,
do the living quarters also stink?

About the Poem

This piece is a playful reflection on the serious issues raised by striking art museum workers in Philadelphia.

About the Author

Jen Schneider is an educator who lives, works, and writes in small spaces throughout Pennsylvania.

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