I'M TRYING TO PAINT A PICTURE

I'm trying to paint a picture
so
real
lies fade to nothing
then people will see me as I am

I'm looking for a canvas
so
pure
filth slides right off of it
then people will see me as I am

I'm searching for a paintbrush
so
strong
walls fall before it
then people will see me as I am

I'm hoping to find colors
so
bright
bruises fade beneath them
then people will see me as I am

my head is hurting
my hands are shaking
apart
my heart is wrung out
my vision's fading
away

I'm trying to paint a picture

Thomas Schilk
AS-0255
Graterford Prison
Pennsylvania, USA