shades of blue

the prince and princess
of Chantilly
want it cheap.
want it perfect, want it
to be like the palace
they have
in their delusional minds.
but they have
no money, so they negotiate
down and down.
meanwhile
the rugs come in, the chandeliers
get hung,
the oil paintings
are centered onto walls.
she's in a range rover,
he in his
black Mercedes.
we have no money, they tell you.
we can't pay you
what you want.
please, help us, we like you.
we like your work.
she spoons caviar into his
open mouth.
he lights incense to get
the paint smell out.
a servant appears in silk, bows,
and announces that their bath
is ready.
please, they say. one more
coat on everything to make it
shine.
but we have no money.
please let yourself out when
you're done. we'll call you
later to let you know what other
things we need
painted again.
this blue is a shade too dark.
do you know the color periwinkle?