Rebecca Martin & Larry Grenadier. “Portrait” by Charles Mingus.

Portrait
Words and music by Charles Mingus

I’ve seen all kinds of pictures
Most of the beauties of the world
From places I’ve traveled I still recall
This quaint melody as I thrill

Painting my own pictures in tones
I’ve painted all mother earth
Both flowers that brave the morn
Tones color the life she’s borne

I’ve tried to paint her beauties
From radiant skies to deep blue seas
The sky as she changes her glamour
Dawns pale blue sunsets amber

The winds and the vains
The lull on the plains
Leaves on the ground
Mountains gray brown
Tipped with a dash of glowing white snow.