A Life In Sepia and Watercolours

When I was just a little girl I painted soaring seagulls in a dawning sky of duck-egg blue I painted ladybirds and whimsical butterflies A red cottage with square-shaped windows A misty mountain with a purple hue. All my fields were evergreen with flowers falling like confetti in between. A rising sun in molten gold so bright with shifting leaves along a riverside. I painted mushrooms covering faries Unicorns, princesses and queens Happy trolls and Naughty elves riding on watercoloured bees. As such was life, Carefree As beautiful as dreams. Years rolled on, trees turned old Vibrant colours became the past in an hourglass. All shadows now, are black as night All that is left are sepia shades dim as the gloom of a Winter day. But little child out there, Listen to me.. Never let clouds cover your soul with ash -of-grey Like candyfloss, clouds might seem huge But they're made of fluff...Blow them away. Blow them away before it rains Yet if rain pours its heavy drops and gusty winds whirl from strong storms Never give up! Lilt up your head, seek with those eyes In every journey a rainbow hides Just keep on searching, do not be blind Leave all your troubles way back behind. All shadows now, are black as night All that are left are Sepia shades dim as the gloom of a Winter day But now and then a spell's bestowed upon my name With an old brush and childhood colours I paint an orchard with sugar-maples and fragrant blossoms blooming in May.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

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Delaney Avatar
August 5, 2025 at 3:14 AM
This is such a beautiful poem and message...I wanted to paint it. Such optimism and beauty combined. We all need the shadows to bring us back to light, as your poem did. Congratulations on a beautiful write. SuZ
Robinson Jr. Avatar
February 21, 2017 at 12:14 PM
Emotionally powerful poem, Charmaine. The imagery and the sage words are timeless. If this is a slice of your real life, then you gave us a sumptuous offering. Ty for sharing a fascinating part of your soul. Wonderful poetry. A 7 all day long ... and a fave. Double dip of for you. Love always, dear.
Vaso Avatar
January 22, 2017 at 8:40 PM
I loved this poem on so many levels, to think a child has a mother as you, just that warms the heart! Amazing poetry!
Mccall Avatar
January 22, 2017 at 6:06 PM
There are only two words Charmaine that I could use to even remotely describe the magnificence of what I just read and those two words are Magnum opus! Truly a great message.
Wanter Avatar
January 20, 2017 at 6:23 PM
One of the most beautiful I've ever read. Maybe it's the painter in me? No, the child in me? No, the uplifting everyone needs. A fav and a 7
O.J. Hunt Avatar
January 18, 2017 at 12:46 PM
Just beautiful and so sincere and heartfelt, like a lovely painting that one never forgets. Faving this wonderful gem Charma!
Melugin Avatar
January 18, 2017 at 11:47 AM
Life and colors equal beautiful! Your painting is awesome! Chuck
Lindley Avatar
January 17, 2017 at 11:08 AM
Stay with the colors and happy, whimsical thoughts my friend. Positive energy is better to write with than is dark. Keep on coloring and let your heart flow forth as it has been!
Smith Avatar
January 17, 2017 at 10:05 AM
Yes try to keep the colors and fantasies alive. I'm so happy I have kids that keep me young and full of fantasy. You should have seen our talent competition Saturday night...lol...a lovely poem Charma
Green Avatar
January 17, 2017 at 8:36 AM
This is such a whimsical and uplifting poem. So many colors are showing in this wonderful piece as well as your heart my sweet friend. Indeed, time does pass and often colors fade, but just blow those clouds away and let the sun shine through on a beautiful day.
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