dane

pulled his
car so close and I grumbled

walked in last week asking if
I were an art painter

smiling
old blonde
gone grey
think
thin
and old
coveralls
cap

felt a little
quick-temper
and mulish
irritation

today
he smiles
looks
interested
and I
invite him in

compliments work

show him plein air
8 small sketches

looking down at them he tells
his dead wife did this also
he has them still at home

he's glad to have them
as he was her
can tell
that now
and his like of
this place and
pictures

"I love your country."

"I do too."

shook hands
strong
dirt-stained
fingers