Fall Painting Poem by JAMES T. ADAIR

The floorboards are dry and split
but the weather is perfect for it
perfect for painting before Winter
Before the cold and rain cause rot or splinter
Battleship grey is the color
a close match with the old grey
not exactly it's twin....but close enough to be a brother
It's a beautiful Fall day
the sun is out. The cool breeze is at play
but no sweater is needed this day
just a long sleeve shirt keeps the cold at bay
the paint is as thick and smooth as a milkshake
but just flowing enough for the wood to absorb and take
It's water-based too, and cleans up well
should I splatter or drip, by mistake
At this moment I have no troubles and no worries
No gripes or complaints or stories
my thoughts are in the present, painting around metal rails
hammering down any raised nails
putting extra paint in the cracks and grooves
scraping first any lose paint that's chipped or moves
I have to say that this is quite peaceful and fun
painting on a Fall morning in the warming sun
and by and by
the step I painted first is almost dry
and the non-skid sand makes a white reflection
if I look at it in a certain direction
You know, this work is pretty good
painting boards and treads made of wood
I stop a moment to see if my coffee is warm or cold
I admire the steps while the wet paintbrush I hold
I think a small job like this only takes a little time
but it sure makes the steps look fine
It's nice to see the fruits of labor
and then the work is pleasure and not so bad
today makes me wonder why I've been feeling sad
What a difference a day can bring
Yesterday it was Winter coming
and today feels a little like Spring