oil paint takes ages to dry

what is a man?

or a Man?

Is it a broad shoulder

long gate and crashing trails

or deep bearded voices that show no delight

or providing for something or someone?

is sewing the community for the feminine light footed ones?

is it facing our vices, our self service customer lust to

climb the ladder to the smoking attic,

sheeping the herd up the hill to be called a shepherd

and paid as a shepherd

more than caring for the flock?

Is it to face our vices?

Is it what 'If' tells me? I think so.

Is it coming to terms with the coming flood that

is now up to your knees and stumbling your forging step

that doesn't paint in the bold colors, someone promised, but

in gray painting water color, light pastels and earth tones,

saying I will not paint for you. Take your brush little boy

and make honest mistakes.