“A Boating P/rty,” by John Singer Sargent

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

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

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

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

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

/rt is like a devotion
it moves me to action

~ §tacy §weeney