been a while, but i saw a painting

[apiphile]

archive footage

you are washing your brushes in the sink
i am painting you washing the brushes
when i have painted you
you will wash these brushes
and i will paint you washing these brushes
with the brushes that you have
just finished washing

are you tired of cleaning up my messes
i ask as smear and streak
wet impressionistic portraits
of your flecked and speckled
turpentine-scented hands;

are you tired of making masterpieces
you say as you hand me the instruments
of my reverse surgery
reconstructing future recollections
one painting at a time.