Paint Remains

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.