Life as a Painting

So you look at me,
Under the gaze of disappointment.

As though my existence,
Was built on the foundations,
Of all your expectations.

But I am here to say,
This blank canvas is mine to paint.

It is illuminated by the wisdom of mistakes,
The education of hard knocks,
The frustration of no breaks.

Streaked with the tears,
Of hard taught lessons.
I am the artist of my fate.