Let me paint

This is a poem I wrote a few years ago
that says a lot about how I feel about painting.

Let me paint

When life has taken its toll
And I'm but a shell of a man,
God give me at least one good eye,
And a steady, deliberate hand.

When this body grows weak,
And my very heart is faint,
Give me the power to grasp a brush,
And give me the strength to paint.

When my days on earth are few,
And I have completed all my toils,
Lead me closer to God,
And surround me with my oils.

When I have passed from life,
And perhaps strolling with a saint,
I'll be inspired by streets of gold,
So Lord, please let me paint.