The Canvas

Decades pass along fragile eggshell canvas of life
our storied cratered pallet we broadly stroke with erratic
thickness of chromatic hues that paint our saudade tales
along steep slopes, stark dry desert valleys and rolling poppied orange hills
emotional journeys recorded on stretched linen wooden frame
expressed with love, fear, anger or guilt

Runny pastel borderless watercolors choosing obscure meetings of forgettable acquaintances
wheeled ameba rim of oil colors define affairs of desired flesh and tugging heart
some colors may look lifeless.. murky… moss less rural pond
others frenzied shouts as we take one step backwards from its intensity
we cherish our lifetime friends and diverse family members

Does our faith remain constant expanding over time?
or lose commitment when tragedy bangs on our worn wooded front door?
self absorbed in what we cannot control….. the results like accidental mixed colors
some familiar.. some in question…..precious lost time in the abyss

Ahh…….and what about our narcissistic period of full length mirror images
our Adonis candy shopping in Macy’s windows frame
confidence soaring we might feel like Vlad the Impaler
nothing can stop our conquests…….except ourselves

Precious life giving soil varietal offerings…..four legged grazing groups
cupboard of sodium canned or boxed comforting tastes…..just in case
slithering trek ascending path to Maslow’s elusive single eye peak
its not about you reaching that arduous apex moment
judgement not allowed….. nor self promotion…few have been there

Our canvas may have storied horrific accidents……some fact some fiction
lonely nighttime two lane highways…..four lane byways rush hour assassins
deep red reflective octagonal stop sign intersections
swinging solo remote wind blown
amber yellow light flashing……preceded with caution
……..consequences can be fatal

We cannot erase the rainbow spectrum on the eggshell
conscious minds and memories won’t let us off the frame
divergent journeys as time meanders along
among shades of gray clouds, thunder, cueball full moons, celestial don’t blink shooting stars
blistering heat, soft rains kissing our face and welcoming blue skies.

Final stroke undetermined
color hidden in the mist of life
last dab on the pallet
last stroke on the eggshell canvas…….unexpected and unknown