Lisa Jeanette

Portrait
V1
It’s a wonder how every day is a new portrait
We get to paint it, often without much care
Somedays we find that we’ve painted a weed, somedays a fine orchid
Brush-stroking blindly we stumble on something rare
V2
But this day I’ve put aside to create with intention
Rather than run from fear, or try to hide
I’ve got a new canvas, this old easel to lean on
And I’m painting you next to me, by my side
C1
Sometimes an artist will paint the landscape they see right before them
Looks so real, you can imagine you’re there
Sometimes they paint from visions and dreams, abstract and foreign
Taking your heart on a journey who knows where
V3
I can paint it surreal for the parts that I’m not free to mention
With as much honesty that we both can abide
I’ve got a new canvas, this old easel to lean on
And I’m painting you next to me, by my side
C2
If I could inhabit a painting, which one would I choose to?
The skies of van Gogh or the fields of Monet?
But I’ve come to the truth that this is the frame I belong to
And that someone’s painting me a little late
V4
My colors may fade, my body may break, my mind lose dimension
The persistence of time never lets you stay long for the ride
I’ve got a new canvas, this old easel to lean on
And I’m painting you next to me, by my side
Ending
And when the story is over, when the paint dries
When all that’s left are those observing to decide
Will they see satisfaction in my eyes
When they look at my portrait?