If I had time to paint that tree
The artist says
In sympathy
The winds groan
Rain spatters
The windows shake
Her easel
Blank now
Shouts

Out-side
In-side

Bas relief
Extending slightly
Don’t undercut undercut
Basso relievo
Alto relievo
I’ll call it
Girl with Blackberry
The artist says
Yet finds no fruit
Or relief

Out-side
In-side

Clay there is always clay
The artist says
Digging deeper
Spinning
The world does not stop.
Gyration does not produce
Anything

Out-side
In-side

I am weary
The artist says
Her studio full of nothing
But air and breath
Until her child enters
Carrying joy, holding eternity
In her eyes

Out-side
In-side

Her gaze
A work of art.

Copyright 2008 Ruth Harrigan