Portraits

Neither Barry, nor Melvin thinks I have much in the way of artistic ability, and sadly I must concur. I got the general likeness of them both; however, they pointed out that I failed to capture Melvin’s natural cuddliness and Barry’s overwhelming intelligence. I’ve never thought Melvin particularly cuddly, what with all the spikes. I do admit the portrait I of Barry captures no specific level of intellect. Does this constitute a failure, or simply a first attempt with limited potential?

Barry I’ve known the longest, although he insists I know nothing about him, that we aren’t friends, and that I’m still not calling him by his proper name. I didn’t always call him Barry. When I was a child, I called him something less pedestrian, although he liked the moniker even less. I can’t recall what it was and he refuses to remind me…

Melvin I met only after the dark times or perhaps during— I can’t be certain as that entire area of my past bathes in road tar and jumps like angry crickets. She also insists I know nothing about her, yet she doesn’t insist we aren’t friends. Apparently, Melvin also is not her proper name. She’s told me her name, repeatedly, clearly, but, regardless, when I try to say it, only Melvin comes out. I used to call her something animalistic, before we’d been properly introduced; like Barry, she didn’t care for the nickname and I can’t recall what it was.

I apologize in advance for the quality, or lack thereof. I asked Melvin to smile, and I believe she is. I asked Barry not to make lewd gestures at me, and he decided to anyway, so I drew him with a flower in his hand…he didn’t care for that.

I think, if my talent with this black crayon improves, I will send a drawing to Emilia, who still hasn’t written me in awhile…