the appraiser

she could hold
a piece of silver in her hand,
measure the weight
by touch,
see
if the paint on
the portrait was old
or older
than the date inscribed.
she knew
periods of
time, when wood was
carved
and made into something,
rich and
unique, sublime.
that vase? that clock,
that necklace,
bring it here and put
it under the light.
she could look into
your heart and know what
was true,
or a lie.
she had not just one,
but two
good eyes.