From Above and Below
Upward turned burger pupils and cheese irises
she sees I see her, I can tell by the wag.
From my peripheral, with hopeful posture
she watches the paint mixing, cursorial so;
to easel, back to palette, a path worn bare.
She’s walked, she’s burgered, she’s played, still anticipating.
She is curled at her post, a balled up sentry.
I am casted by the light, phototropic.
The progressive sunlight, passing each window
darkened lonely hours, lamped, and easel shackled,
a spot lit captive, the paintings disembogue.
I’ve mixed, I’ve painted, I’ve drawn, still configuring.
No barking, no begging, neglectful abusing
scraps of kindnesses, were a long ago while.
Piles of undone, errands not run amassing.
Gone now are the unloved woman and ignored girl.
No expecting, no disappointing, no watching,
so this is how this painter’s life will unfurl.