Summary: An original fictional miniature about looking closer, revising carefully and keeping the useful imperfections in a painting. Inspired by the accessible conversation theme of learning through careful comparison, not an account of an actual painting or personal experience.

The picture leaned against the wall,
A patch of blue, and that was all.
I moved the chair into the light,
And saw the shore I missed last night.

A little closer, take it slow,
The smallest things can start to show.
No need to paint the whole sky new;
Let one clear line come shining through.

The brush had left a crooked trail,
A bent green stem, a paper sail.
I kept the bend and changed the shade;
A place to rest was what I made.

A little closer, take it slow,
The smallest things can start to show.
No need to paint the whole sky new;
Let one clear line come shining through.

The light moves on across the floor.
I leave it room to show me more.