Ian C. Smith

I a n  C .  S m i t h

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A Sonnet of Gustavs

Gustav Klimt had fourteen sons, all Gustavs

all by different women. He worked, argued

broadcast his seed, did nothing by halves.

His erotic swoons of colour charmed, cued

canny collectors, paid the child support

his poor sister Klara would take around

to the Gustavs’ mothers. Our artist fought

with models, critics, husbands. When renowned

he still lived with his mother, this roué

who conquered every female except her.

He never had daughters, loved Emilie

Floge, his forbearing confidante. They were

together when his right arm was stilled by

a stroke, the worst way he feared he would die.