The Pastel Portrait

An old man looks deeply into my soul His piercing blue eyes disquietingly seek What is written there on my life scroll, An accomplished man of purpose, meek. A fine pastel she has lovingly sketched Another time, another place he and I, Likely over a beer, would’ve kvetched On many topics, oft seeing eye to eye. I would’ve respected his keen insight He has the look of one who is worthy, Man of his word, his lips pressed tight Hard-working he is, so clearly earthy. I think he might have been a seafarer Comfortably draped in a gray slicker, I suspect that he speaks with a burr Bright, quick-witted, not one to bicker. Written June 6, 2022 Submitted to "The Pastel" Poetry Contest Sponsored by Craig Cornish