Bright lights blind her tired eyes

which have only just awoken

from a restless slumber

caked in disdain

The tedious transmutation

is set to begin

The blueprint is embedded in the sculptor’s mind

society has placed it upon her feeble shoulders

breaking her frail bones

splintering all hopes of perfection

a burden which she cannot be rid of

The plaster is cool to the touch

as it cloaks her course imperfections

hiding the uneven flaws

hiding the bumps which do her no harm  

hiding the scars which define her

hiding the beauty which she cannot realize

The brush’s course hackles

irritate the gentile canvas

producing puffs of dust

inhaled accidentally

causing uncontrollable coughs

from the fine powder

being caught in her throat

At least her complexion is matte

hiding the oil which glows her chin

hiding the redness of her innocent blushing

hiding freckles which spackle her nose

hiding the beauty which she cannot appreciate

The pastel’s chalky composition

catch in the wrinkles of her lids

as she tirelessly works to blend the colors

hiding the discoloration of her eyelids

hiding the lack of sleep

hiding the bags her cheeks can no longer hold

hiding the beauty which she cannot fathom

Nearing completion

the sculptor scrutinizes her work

gazing at a new creation

with remorseful satisfaction

feeling the smooth surface of the sculpture

smelling the still wet paint

hoping the burden was worth her time

hoping that glances will be directed at her

hoping that her change was for the best

hoping that she could

realize

appreciate

and

fathom

her beauty now

Realizing not

that her art

was

never

to 

be

completed