***the Mona Lisa's Smile Poem by Ernestine Northover

What can I paint, what's in my mind,
I've joined this Club to fathom out Art.
Creating my own Masterpiece,
a vision that comes straight from the heart.

I‘ve loads of tubes with colours filled,
and brushes that can produce the style,
A canvas large enough to start,
to achieve the Mona Lisa's smile.

Sketching an outline could be great,
if some inspiration I expel.
I'll sit and contemplate a while,
something might suddenly ring a bell.

Others seem to be doing well,
they are all intent on mixing shades,
With fine honed skills their brushstrokes sweep,
and my pint-sized confidence just fades.

At coffee break I sauntered forth,
around the room to procure a peek,
At what others with clear aplomb,
had created with their own technique.

Oh goodness me! They've done real good,
and far, far better than I can do.
Hope their genius might just fly off,
and land on me, by sticking like glue.

To have a go is worth a try.
and although my Art may not fame bring.
Along may come my Masterpiece,
that then would be so self-fulfilling.


© Ernestine Northover