Jules Olitski

Odd Encounters

By: Charles Giuliano - Jan 03, 2015

Jules Olitski

Alfa Romeo
Sleek and beautiful
Like Italians
Temperamental
Bought with mad money
Sales from first exhibition
That summer 1960s
Driving around
Signing artists to make prints
United Church of Christ
Portfolio
In Vermont
Meeting Jules Olitski
Brief encounter
Minutes really after
Hours of driving
Car overheated
Had to return asking for water
Visitor arrived
Warm greetings
Jules and Clem
Years later
Shows at the MFA
Interview for Boston After Dark
Shades drawn
Suite at the Ritz
Ordering room service
What will you have
Coffee for me
Jules asked for
Johnny Walker Black Label
Water glasses full
Downed as we talked
Paris on the GI Bill
Living on peanuts and coffee
Opening that night
More scotch
From utter poverty to fame
Pain drowned
What price
Glory