The ages that went by,

The pages that filled up,

The words that took shape,

The letters that came together.

The colors that splashed on,

The strokes that added depth,

The empty canvas that came to life,

The flawless skin that scarred up,

The ink that left behind indelible marks,

The scratches that dented the smooth surface,

The hands that ached and strained,

The forehead that dripped sweat,

The picture that became complete,

Was worth the pain that the artist endured.