The Cattle Dealer

If art needs to be explained by an art critic, it kills every bit of creativity of the spontaneous artistic mind.

If art can't speak for itself, no one can make it talk.

It's worth the investment, every cent of it, he said, trust me the art gallery knows. It's no big deal to take a loan or two, you can afford it.

The giant painting haunted her since she had studied it. She couldn't wipe out the brute face of the devil with the whip. In a flash, she saw how he kicked the helpless pregnant mule who tried to pull the car over the dirt road uphill.

It was late at night and he was satisfied

although in a hurry. There was no moon, no starry night but that was no reason to avoid the countryside. Filthy thieves, lazy people could be found everywhere. At least a good deal was made by him and even a bigger one awaited.

The goat in the back chewed satisfied, he didn't feel the need to stretch a leg. His life was good and easy.

Tally-ho, stupid horse, cried the guy who sat in the front of the cart as he cracked his whip on the poor animal's back. Lazy mule, I wish I would have bought a dog instead!

A horse was not worth much and made little money if it did not work hard for a living. He planted his boot on her back and kicked the mare's buttocks again to further encourage her since his whip did not seem to impress the stupid, lazy molly. The animal snorted, struggled, and tried to ignore the violent man as the foal died inside her.

There's the animal hustler again,

a farmer's wife whispered to her husband. She shivered. Can you hear him?

Don't look or say a word or his whip will land on your back, her husband warned. I don't want you to end up like that monster's poor wife.

The couple quickly turned their backs on the feared trader and pretended to be focused on their warm embrace. It was better not to interfere in other people's affairs. The cattle dealer was not only violent and mean but also incredibly powerful.

Still, the scared couple couldn't help overhearing the sweet voice of the young pregnant woman. She was covered in rags, walking behind the cart and talking to the pig with the deformed face while carrying it on her shoulders.

She sure has a gift if it comes to handling swines the farmer thought, may the Goddess have mercy on her and save her from the beast before every bit of kindness is beaten out of her just like he did with that poor molly.

4-2-2024

Painting: The Cattle Dealer by Marc Chagall, 1912, 97×200.5 cm source