By: Karen O’Leary

She ponders,
holding a black crayon—
assigned to capture nature
with the given medium.

She catches the dean after class,
holding up the black crayon.
How does one capture
nature with just one hue?

Ms. Hawthorn,
you have the insight
of an artist. Don’t be
afraid to challenge the norm.

Each year I assign
this challenge, yet only
one or two understand it.
Keep our conversation private.
…

The Center of the Arts
building buzzes with
energy. A crowd circled
her painting. “Amazing!”

The dean parted
the mass allowing
her student a path.
“The purple ribbon!”

Her ticket to art
school along with three
art dealers waiting
for her. “Bonanza!”