Alona

Your face has inspired me since I first
saw that picture Joe sent me of you and your
parents in a sea of sunflowers.
The sunflower, a beautiful representation
of your homeland.
Ukraine was lovely then with tall, blonde girls
emulating the yellow sunflowers.
The land is war torn now.
A sadness that deeply touches us, your family.
Thank God you and your parents are
With us in the land of the free.
I am painting your portrait.
Your precious image of beauty that
goes deep into your soul.
An image of your history and life
Among the sunflowers.

9-25