black velvet ribbon with one pearl
tied at the nape of a delicate neck
balcony window open toward sea
here is a mother & child
a sewing basket & lace
a floral path to a garden gate closed
your forever strokes of color
all shades of white & grey
lie veiled in a cradle of pale rose
at the edges sometimes you leave
your face of canvas unfinished
that bare cloth your greatest dare
