John Singer Sargent’s, “A Boating Party”

Art is an intense privilege to me
a voice of gladness
Art is a certain kind of eagerness
a training of my senses

Art is being in a boat
changing the direction of the river
into oceans of possibility
Art falls fresh on me every day

Art is a measure of health and healing
a seal of self-identity
Art fits my emotion

Portraits are like a psalmist
singing to herself every day
do not forget me arms

Art is a red palette
a strident mark in a dismal world
while getting a little boost
from a beautiful, kissable smile