Mikaela Castledine #76 Occupational hazard

Artists live on canapés and white wine

it's an occupational thing

functions are always at mealtimes

and they work those lean and hungry hours

Vegetarian painters can struggle

with pulled pork sliders

and rare roast beef on mini Yorkshires

Intolerant sculptors will suffer for their art

bloating on lactose cheese and gluten biscuits

Starving artists must

be omnivorous and forebearing

snatch the little pieces of crumbed chicken

deftly dip in the green curry sauce

accept glasses of bubbles

champagne or water

carry in one hand drink napkin catalogue

clap politely with the other

Artist have to learn to live on canapés

because there are many openings

and food must be put in them