The Masterpiece

It all starts fresh
So simple & precious
Like a smooth, clean canvas
Waiting to be painted…

You start by giving it a base
A background from which to begin
Such a simple beginning
And yet you can feel
The bumps & scratches
Roadblocks along the path

As you try to create the structure
You find yourself flustered
As the brush strokes falter
You may begin again several times
Though the underlying beginnings
Forever will be there
Though never again to be seen
You will never have that fresh slate
Where everything began

Eventually the piece begins to develop itself
Even as you paint the details in,
The picture becomes clearer
And little details come into light
Character pieces fill in
As if all on its own
The masterpiece creates itself

You are no longer the painter
Simply a host for the true artist
The canvas comes to life
A long process
Never fully completed
Constantly redoing,
Always improving

It is no longer yours
You gave it foundation
But the art creates itself
Now out in the world
For all to see
May it soar or fall
In the world of critics

You have done all you can
Put all your heart into it
Now sit back & breathe
All efforts not forgotten
The rest is up to the piece itself.

Life is so fragile
You bring it into the world
Raise it as best you can
Tears & bruises stain the way
Hope for the best
Then let it free
That is the task of motherhood.

Rhiannon
3/17/07