Boxes

In the Uffizi,
The greatest
Work of art
Is not a painting
But the gallery itself -
Custom-built,
A jewel box.

In Collins Barracks,
The conversion
To a museum
Has trapped the air
Of the square -
Cleaned stones make
A granite box.

In Wexford,
The operas performed
On a tiny stage
Are more than theatre -
Anticipation focussed
On light and colour,
A music box.

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Biography

Neville Keery is the winner of the 2003 Francis Ledwidge Award. His first collection of poems was published in 1999.