Beauty, Life and Love

Recently we spent a couple of nights with close friends in a cabin beside the Conejos River in Southern Colorado. We were all amazed at beautiful 40-50 ft high trees that followed along the river in such an arid place. We were even more surprised to learn that they were actually native Peach Leaf Willows having seen only Weeping Willows or Willow bushes before. The River still flowed well but the landowner said is was way down because of the drought. But the spectacular green trees and bushes, still appeared to be thriving. It’s amazing how much life and beauty, even a small amount of water can sustain!

In continuing my literati series of poems and paintings, I started and finished this painting without a poem. But as I was exploring the relationship of beauty, life and love in my journal, it became clear to me, the painting was the perfect metaphor.

Love is water,

flowing in the desert,

though the veins of relationships,

bringing the beauty of life

with every touch.

Become the river.