The Poetry of
Michael G. Khmelnitsky

the hardest thing in the world
is not scrounging to buy canvas and paints
is not spreading plastic all over the living room
is not gessoing canvas
   not making mistakes

the hardest thing in the world
is not finding the right image
is not finding the right shadow
is not finding the right shape
   not finding the right colour

the hardest thing in the world
is not taking the time
is not making mistakes
is not getting paint all over the living room carpet
   and the kitchen floor in occult shapes
is not washing paint off my hands and feet

the hardest thing in the world
is not distance and light
is not the twinkle in the eye
is not the shape of the chin
   not experience  passion  or style

the hardest thing in the world
is luck
   and the thin line of his
   mona lisa smile