The Cottonwoods Out of Control

Just keep painting, one
Character’s father
Instructs her—Painting,

All you have total
Say in, he explains.
She doesn’t think so,

Painting, to her mind,
Being as far out
Of her control as

Other, unsanctioned
Activities, but
At least she likes it.

I’m wrapping up here.
You might as well paint.
I might as well write.

The late cottonwoods,
Down in the canyon,
Buttered orange gold

In the old sunlight
And the character
In the novel keeps

Painting, given that
Is what her father
Says gives her control.