Artist, by Lois Hudson

Artist

Chip away,
Sand rough edges, varied patterns,
Circular, angular, jagged, straight,
Peel, cut, shave, reveal
New layers waiting to be born.

Trees shine, forming
Wet green networks,
Forests of leaves,
Entanglement of branches and lives,
Creeping, nesting.

Smooth their splintered curves,
Those rugged sides,
Chisel, stain, polish, seal,
Finish.

Oh, struggling spirit,
Your effort and complexity
Have vanished within the process,
Refined to simplicity and truth.

Sweep away the dust.
They cannot know.

by Lois Hudson