Images Alive

Living canvases speak to us
in unlimited art museums
awaiting our approach,
our stopping,
our willingness.

So often this existential essence

patiently bides its time,
knowing we’re frequently
concerned more with who’s watching us
watching the painting,
whose seeming illuminate
moves our way.

For…

A painting’s nourishment
comes in many forms;
a child’s giggle,
our lean into the details,
the finding of the viewing bench,
the sit,
the sigh,
the wonder of creative magic.

Our eyes provide the means,
our imagination the transport ,
our inner nod the reward.

A painting knows well
the containment of joy,
always aware,
always with gratitude.

The chaperon of light
senses how grateful
our envisioning a brush stroke’s feel,
a layered color’s purpose,
an artist’s commitment to discovery’s risk.

How delicate and fine such moments,

when paintings’ illumination makes love…

to those of us who allow.