By Julia Trops with apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning
I paint thee to the depth
and breadth and height
My eyes can reach,
when seeing without sight,
Of the thoughts of life and ideal grace.
I paint thee to the level of everyday
Most quiet need,
by sun and candle-light.
I paint thee freely,
as colour is given its right;
I paint thee purely,
as life is experienced in its need
I paint thee with the passion
put to use
From my old griefs,
and with my childhood’s faith.
I paint thee with a love I seemed to lose with my lost saints,
I paint thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!
And if the fates choose,
Thou shalt love my work better,
before my death.