Wet the paintbrush

and mix the paint,

apply colour. 

Colours blending, 

Ceasing to become anything other than 

Pure pigment.

I am an artist.

"Your line quality is lacking,"

He says with a puff of his 

Cigarette.

The meaning is not in the line,

Until the line is placed with purpose.

I am an artist.

"Your composition is off,"

She says as she sips her

Coffee.

My world is on a slant -

I see something else,

Maybe you should just - 

Change it? 

Empowerment lies within

The choices I lay down 

On the blank slate of paper

That is nothing until

I make it something.

You say I will make nothing

With my life trapped in

A neverending quest for creation.

I am an artist.

And in my art, 

I find peace.