by artist/author Susan Van Sleet
from Beyond the Canvas

The following poem & painting titled "Daisy" is from a book called Canvas Emotions ...The Art of Therapy.

"Daisy" is the first in a series of more than two-dozen original works depicting a little girl who "grew up on canvas". Created by a birthmother following placement of her daughter through a closed adoption in 1966, the paintings span a twenty-six year period that ended in 1993. In April of that year, a mother and her estranged daughter were reunited. Needed closure became reality. Brushes, paints and canvas were set aside ... there have been no more "portraits".


She loves me, she loves me not
Hair tied up in a little French knot

I imagined the kisses her mommy gave
...And in thought I kissed her that very same way

Did she have a pudgy angel's face
Was she blond and blue-eyed and full of grace?

The paint would dry in softest blend
Then for the moment my heart would mend

As I slowly plucked petals one by one
I envisioned her own tiny fingers and thumbs

I painted her in just that way
I wonder if she picked a daisy that day?

Beyond the Canvas

Credits: Susan Van Sleet