An artist's brush

He hunted for words,
while coloring her lips

He hunted for words,
while coloring her lips

"Sweetheart, your smile
so precious,

unearthly!"

She was staring back, motionless.

He groused,
"the more I try to make you cheery,
the more unmoved you remain."

Frozen looks.

"Remember how we got drenched
last year, your hands in mine . . ."

Inert eyes, fixed on him.

"Remember the taste
of plum cakes we shared

last Christmas?"

"Do you know,
roses are less pricey,
this V-Day?"

Stillness persisted.

Abruptly, he hurled his brush in a frenzy.

Her temple started bleeding