My second poem for National Poetry Writing Month combines the prompts from Napowrimo.net (write a poem inspired by, or in the form of, a recipe) and the Napowrimo Facebook page (write a poem inspired by your favorite piece of art)…

Alchemical trails

Mix light
            dark
            color
texture
            doubt
                        hesitation

Place a frame
around
something that requires
            no explanation
            give it a name
                        enigmatic
                         yet slightly ordinary

          Install your vulnerability in a place where people can see it
allow yourself the indignity of being ignored

          Repeat until the callus has formed and thickened
pretend your art is the only place you have feelings

you can’t not feel

          Make dreams no one will ever see
Incubate for several lifetimes

Believe them

(2 April 2017)