The Oriental Watercolorist

The painter went out early in the day

To find the flowers, the leaves, the insects, fruits

And birds to paint.  He used the dew to play

With ink, to brush pastel the April shoots.

If apples were the point, he nearly hid

Them.  Other items blocked them out from view

Nigh on.  His Oriental mind would bid

Them almost mystically to bow and slew

Away from notice.  One small bird distracts

The eye and leaves warp sight.  The apples might

As well not be the major viewing facts

Because their wraith-like presence seems so slight.

  They, most essential items in the dawn,

    Are almost lost, so negatively drawn.

~ Phillip Whidden