(Inspired by the art, pictured below) of a dear friend and incredible artist, find more of her artwork on Instagram–@ladyweintraub)

Lines over lines

I am made of mistakes

Every try, every fail

indelibly recorded.

While success,

somehow more temporary,

comes and goes with a smile.

If you could see underneath,

there are miles of

lines over lines

I’ve drawn over my mistakes

inerasable.

Bleeding ink over the page

when my veins are empty

and even my breath is drawn dark with regret.

Fingers clenched–

my unsteady hand continues its path.

I cannot stop,

Or, I suppose I could, but

I won’t.

I am seeking

the perfect slope of cheek and chin

The right touch of stubbornness and

intelligence about the eyes,

wisdom and courage,

compassion and discipline . . .

Falling short, picking up, beginning again.

I am made of mistakes

Lines over lines over lines over lines . . .