Before and after

5.10.17
Kaka does his first version
of Dew on Leaves.
He is so unhappy with the painting
he relegates it to the waste paper basket.
Luckily, we retrieve it.
The same evening
he suffers a mini stroke.
8.10.17
Kaka attempts Dew on Leaves again.
This time he is happy with it.
He is 94.
And back at the drawing board
three days after the stroke.
Is this courage?
Is it sheer force of will?
and the drive to use his art
to overcome the aftereffects
of a temporary lack of blood
and oxygen to the brain?