CONTRASTS

 

My work room,

a clutter of painting stuff:

brush jars, paint tubes,

is busy (I can see)

as the peppermint gums

that flap great fronds

over the back fence,

beating at its green metal-

“Come on, come here!”

 

Each place beckons;

A big square canvas,

white as new snow

on an English window ledge.

Ready for paint!

 

In the back corner, spiky remains

of an impertinent lime tree

that stuck me once too often.

 

I took my revenge.

 

Trusty tenon saw.

 

Chris Hubbard

2021