Few Oranges To Paint

The doorbell rang, it was time to have
My morning snack, reluctant,
I dipped my biscuit and swallowed it,
The sun was already out and burning
every dew on the pale shredded grass,
sweeping and mopping the studio floor,
had a quick bath and breakfast,
I was running late, had to rush to my son’s
school, his classwork was due.

I rushed to school, submitted his
Classwork, his teacher reminded me,
About the pending fees, which were pending
For a long time now, I requested for extension,
Never knowing when my next source of income
Would come through. Didn’t sell a work since.
A year or more, sketched daily, painted often,
Hoping for someone to like it, someone to take
Them home. Hang them on their wall!

On my way to the bank, to check the remaining
Savings from many years of work,
Seeing it dry out, like the tap water in mid-summer,
Submitted my last cheque, withdrawal was
Done. The teller asked me if I wish to close
My account, for which I responded
“I am expecting a deposit soon,” “So let it be”
Headed back home, got a few items on my way
From the shop across the street,
My son asked if I got him any toys to play,
I said “No son, just a few oranges to paint”