EMPTY BENCH BECKONS

Went in search of a subject matter to paint
An empty bench facing the water 
Is always so enticing and so inviting

Apparently not just to me
As I painted, various people walked by
And plonked their butts on my bench
This lady came by with her cutie dog
Who waited ever so patiently while its mistress read
It turned around and sat staring at me 
I smiled at it and continued
Grateful for the pose it was striking

The sun was out strong and the lady felt she had enough
Walked off with her faithful furry friend trailing behind her
Next came a couple who had an animated discussion
About something or another

Then came a young man maybe with his Grandma or Aunt 
They sat for quite a while
He looked back at me a few times
And I know just that look
They finally got up to leave
But he strutted in the direction of my easel
A keen pleased look on his face
The kind that precedes this ubiquitous question
SO DID YOU PUT ME IN YOUR PAINTING?

Sorry, nothing personal
But you had arrived after my painting had  advanced 
To a point of no return
He looked disappointed for a slight moment
And then recovered enough to quip 
Nice Painting, waved Goodbye and followed after his Grandma or Aunt

Yes...timing is everything in life
Wonder how many times I had just made it
And how many times I had just missed it............

No need to wonder, I tell myself
I think I am all right just where I am...........