the color of the night sky is not black, rather

the layers of clouds and daylight and moonbeams
and atmospheric haze obscure
the view from the driveway.
so really, it’s every color there is.

if that apple is green, it is small
parts red too because no color exists
without its contrast to tone,
tamper,
dilute.
pure green is a myth, i think.

when i paint leather
i like to use the subtle tremors
of my right hand to show
the texture of the material.
it’s a questionable technique, maybe
not one i’d share in my next
art critique.

thin the paint with
copious cups of tap water
and do your best to only
leave a subtle mark,
if any trace at all.