Painting at Eighty

Painting at Eighty

Free at last! Free
of mom’s dismissal
we saw no talent
dad’s silent disapproval
Letting go my own mental
flagellation—
well taught, I was   

Gentler, now—sweetie, 
loosen your elbow
so that circle flows rounder,
see how much you learned
just today—how burnt sienna,
ultramarine, a dash
of white make slate

successes, glee
savoring perceived failure
painting, pure joy