Once the colors were
sunset red, hunter green
the deep indigo of a summer night.
There was a sky filled with light--
and a promise.

If I had painted you then
it'd have been with that crooked grin
the teasing glint in your eyes
when I knew what you wanted--
only I didn't.

Now other colors demand their time
colors for the mourning after.
Black, grays and browns.
Dark colors, yes, but to remind me--
of reality.

Dreams can bring it rushing back.
There is your touch against my skin;
then the moment you walked away.
I could paint it all today--
but I won't.