Come and See My Painting

by Tanaya Burnham

Come and see my painting!
I think I like it,
won’t you like it too?
Come and see my painting,
I painted it just for you!

Come and see my painting!
Say you like it,
won’t you like me too?
Come and see my painting,
I painted it just for you!

Do you see the red sun setting
on a desert sky,
or do you see the white cranes
soaring across the mountain side?
Do you see the cherry blossoms,
or the peacock tails,
or do you see the golden halls,
or the flapping sails?

Do you see the dolphins breaking
from the violent sea,
or do you see the native people’s
naked savagery?
Do you see the road most traveled,
or the path unknown,
or do you see the stalking tiger,
or the writing on the stone?

Do you see the winding river
cutting through the earth,
or do you see the angles weeping
on the occasion of her birth?
Do you see the baby crying
in her mother’s arms,
or do you see a rotting carcass,
or a woman’s charm?

Do you see those hazel eyes
staring back at you,
or do you see the winds of change
blowing right on cue,
Do you see the many colors,
or the many pains,
or do you see the turning tides,
or the braking chains?

Do you see the canvas covered
by this choking paint,
or do you see the girl
who does not yet know her hate?
Do you see I am trying,
trying my very best,
and do you see your hurting me
just like all the rest?

Do you see what it is you want,
or what I’m trying to be,
or do you see I am everything,
everything that is but me.
Do you see the voice inside,
and the want to let it out?
and do you see the power,
the power now to shout!

Come and see my painting.
I know I like it,
but you’re free to let it be.
Come and see my painting,
I painted it just for me!

Come and see my painting.
I painted it just for me.