Treasured Picture

Sometimes children can surprise you. Contest entry

I was so surprised the day my daughter Jessica said
that she wanted to paint.
Her little eyes had the look that I had seen before,
that I could not refuse.
We used her sister's chalkboard as an easel.
Plain paper was taped to it for her canvas.
I could see her excitement grow
when we found an eight color marker set.
I waited to see what my little artist
would do to transform a blank paper into.
Her first few strokes with her imitation brushes
seemed like an amateur's work.
After she changed markers a few times,
the strokes began flowing with ease.
Emotions came from the depth of my heart
as I viewed the masterpiece of my little Rembrandt.
She worked harder than anyone I had ever seen.
Her house and yard artwork would go on our refrigerator tonight.
And to be sure, I do not think that any one would know
that a child who had no arms could make a picture as lovely
Jessica had.