I wish I were an artist-
With canvas, palette, brush
I'd like to paint a tapestry
Depicting such as us.

You ladies in your studios-
Or maybe with the flowers
You water with your teardrops
In the lonely midnight hours

As you handle faded photographs
Of other, better years-
When futures were far brighter
Your cheeks uncarved by tears.

When life stretched out before you
A flower bordered road-
And not a rugged mountain trail
To climb with heavy load.

Perhaps 'twas children's laughter
Or with your lover that-
You whiled away your hours-
Instead of dogs or cats.

Your heart perhaps was tender
Your laughter swift, and gay
And smiles enhanced your beauty
So careworn on this day...

Or maybe men just like myself
Who look back cross the years
Of tragedy and heartache
And bitter sighs and tears.

To days when we could see ourselves
As stalwarts, strong and tall
Before we had discovered
Just how easily we fall.

 Before our hearts betrayed us                                                                                                                                                                   Before we realized-                                                                                                                                                                                     The way we looked upon our selves                                                                                                                                                         Was a weak facade of lies.

If I were but an artist-                                                                                                                                                                                 With nerve enough to paint                                                                                                                                                                       The truth about our feeble lives                                                                                                                                                           'Twould prove a picture quaint.