The stand-up comic, sitting in the snug,
chews on his pen. His gaze is far away.
At last he grins, then jots a little note
and takes a well-earned swig of beer.

The novelist stares grimly at the screen,
selects ERASE and swallows half a page.
She types two lines, then clicks on SAVE
and dips a Bourbon biscuit in her tea.

With narrowed eyes the portrait painter peers.
His finest brush is held in steadied hand –
a flick of paint applied with utmost care.
He steps back, nods and lays his brush aside.