The Painter

There once was a painter. Noble, caring, inquisitive and a bit eccentric. The painter was a gentle man. He stood statuesque whilst only his eyes moved as he observed others interactions. Being an introverted man, he desperately wanted to understand his peers and how they communicated with one another. The painter towered over his companions, lanky and still. Not dissimilar to a Poplar tree used to line a drive-in movie theater. Standing straight and proud while enjoying a show. But this isn't a story about that. It's a story of two people finding themselves.
This painter had a muse who he revered. He would hastily show her all of his works and valued her opinions. Critiques and praises alike. However, things were not as they seemed. The muse, however enamored with her painter, started to wander. She wanted to find a new painter who's art spoke truth to her eyes. She was weak from dealing with the painters past for she wasn't the first nor strongest muse. She was the one to heal the painters wicked heart. To bridge the painter from the storm he was in and send him along a new path. A long, winding foot trail to find the muse in his own heart. So she left.
In the initial time the two were separated, the painter created a most beautiful tapestry for his lost muse. It shone with oranges and yellows, her favorite colors because they reminded her of sunshine and true happiness. The painter and muse wouldn't cross paths for another year. The painter presented her with this work of art in a medium other than his own. It was his way of processing the affliction he felt when he lost her. At that point in time, the painter was just finding a small clearing in his trail. He was finding happiness in himself.
Over the next few years, the two still had a mutual admiration for each other and enjoyed speaking of the interests in their hearts, just less often. The atmosphere was found to be pleasant when the two spoke. You could sense the closeness they once shared.
The painter continued his trek down his wooded avenue, finding bigger and better clearings full of bright light perfect for him to set up his easel and start on a new work of art. With time, he felt less of a need to seek his adrift muses advice. The painter had truly found himself. The muse couldn't have been happier. That's exactly what she wanted for him. Self approval and confidence in his work. What an amazing journey for this muse to witness!
Towards the end of their story together, the muse sent a congratulatory post to the painter. She had heard word that he had found the perfect glade and better yet, this young, skilled & confident painter had found a youthful muse. One who saw truth in his art. The old muse was sad to think that her time helping the painter would now be over. She held on tight to the wonderful memories giving them one last goodbye & released them to the world. This new muse was perfect for the painter and to be honest, the old muse enjoyed being able to float around inspiring artists wherever she may go. Looks like they all lived happily ever after.

-Gayle