An Artist's Villanelle

 I bring my vision to the view.                

 I paint between what’s there and me     

And hope for beauty to bring me through.

 

Will you like your portrait? I wish I knew.

Your unveiled eyes make gentle enquiry,

I bring my loving vision to this view.

 

Beneath the old sun nothing much is new,

The rocks and sky, the sand and sea,

I hope for beauty to sail me through.

 

Each artist sees a lover’s face anew;

We paint both who we are and what we see.

We bring this double vision to the view.

 

Your cheeks I paint in cream and roses hue,

Your hair in auburn tresses flowing free;

I invite your beauty to lead me through.

 

Will I apprehend your loveliness? I wish I knew.

Your lips and eyes conspire a smile for me;

Your being brings my vision into view.

I trust your beauty to take us through.