Paint Remains by J.C. Eavenson

Paint Remains

By J.C. Eavenson

Sometimes a gallon of paint is simply a gallon of paint.

One mixed with just the right proportion of black and blue in a white base to make ‘Smoky Mountain’

And sometimes a half empty can of paint with an unused wooden paddle resting on top,

Feels the cold tiles beneath it

Waiting to cover cracks in the wall that may appear a year or two later

From carelessness or wear.

Sometimes leftover paint wants to be poured

Wants to feel a roller

Wants to coat the walls and make the room smell new and fresh

Paint doesn’t want its unused parts to divide

So that its heavier oils sink to the bottom

It wishes to be stirred

First Published in Unlimited Literature Magazine (UL-Mag) First print/digital issue on September 24th, 2020.

J.C. Eavenson, Des Plaines, IL