Perplexity (Poetry)

He could not paint her foreign beauty
failed to capture her appeal
she eluded every brush stroke
all attempts to make her real

Not one line conveyed his vision
light and shadow foiled his aim
each perspective left him baffled
skewed his sight and fogged his brain

There was nothing of her nature
he could pin with lead or paint
defying skill and insubstantial
his silently bemused complaint

He battled with a fierce impatience
torn sketches strewn about the floor
frustration piled upon frustration
till in despair he lost the war

Still she lingered pale and shining
the object of his passion’s quest
yet too obscure for truth’s defining
he let her go — Love bade him rest