i overheard you in the gallery
disparaging my work

you said the colours of my pallet
all have a shipwrecked hue

unfair
unjustified
untrue

come,
say it to my face

i was scuppered by you
you, my treacherous mate
who swore such loyalty
liar
turn-coat
coward
curr

I thought I had forgiven you
my mistake
i hate you in my sleep

I see you very clearly now
but i can still paint clouds
that let the sun break through