The Pictures I Paint by Valerie Parente

The hurt painted a different picture
and that is okay.
I can work on a new canvas
without changing yesterday.
Nothing is mutually exclusive
when it comes to heartache.
There’s an art to this heart
and everything that I say.
You can be my one and only
despite the past pain.
I forgive and I give
and continue to paint.
Another picture, this time with hope
but this one will be framed.

– Valerie Parente (4-23-2021)