Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665) by Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) The Hague, Netherlands Girl with a Pearl Earring Walking down the street in Amsterdam she was a phantom of delight. Her Turkish turban swirled in the wind like the tail of a glowing comet. Her pearl earring— a sparkling star her face luminous like the full moon. I followed her for a block and more to feel the presence of her radiance and shouted softly to her "Hey Beautiful!" She turned, her eyes meeting mine, finger pointing to her heart, she said— "Are you talking to me?" And I sighed "Yes!" — Peter Y. Chou     Mountain View, 6-14-2013