today’s painting would be wet green with birds but the birds

would not be visible. You’d hear them.  My neighbors who aren’t there any more

they’ve moved to Florida would return and I would paint them sitting near

their gorgeous silver barn, once full of books because they’d intended

to open a book store.  I’d  also replace my across the street neighbors from the Bronx,

Billy and Anne, who left this road a while ago

with their three kids for Albany so  their kids could play in a playground

and not just a big back yard. I  would paint them back.

And our good friend Alarik who died a while ago.  He’d be in his boat in my painting

riding along the Hudson and he’d be smiling.