How do I paint thee….

The Dreamer Series - so far there are over 30 in this series, more to come!

How do I paint thee

let me count the ways!

By Julia Trops with apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I paint thee to the depth and breadth and height
My eyes can reach, when seeing without sight,
Of the thoughts of life and ideal grace.
I paint thee to the level of everyday
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I paint thee freely, as colour is given its right;

I paint thee purely, as life is experienced in its need
I paint thee with the passion put to use
From my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I paint thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, –I paint thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!

And if the fates choose,
Thou shalt love my work better before my death.