Sam Yau
You were born on
the first anniversary of
the death of your mother’s firstborn
You were cast in the identical name
in memory of your brother
Every year on your birthday
your mother took you
to the cemetery
where he was buried
You were a phantom of
your brother for whom
your mom never ceased grieving
You were never celebrated
or loved for who you are
The world was cold and unsafe for you
unloved and unappreciated for your gift
you received only contempt and scorn
Yet, in the deep recesses of your soul
you immerse yourself in a rich inner life
unbeknownst to the world
You see what no one else can see
you have no choice but to paint it
You show your love for the world
it is never returned while you’re alive
In nature you find
the beauty that nourishes you
the wellspring that unfolds your genius
the transcendence that knows
the wondrous power of brilliant color
that reverberates in
the souls of millions
who see what you saw
the blue night sky with
bright swirling yellow stars
one summer night in Saint Rémy