Windblown

It is survival, these things you do.
Without them you wither.

A discipline of sanity,
no less than prayer or meditation,

each day you create,
whether or not the muse co-operates,

you write. you paint, sometimes well,
sometimes poorly.

Some of it shared, then released
like dandelion seeds to the wind,

never knowing where they will land
until the next spring

when yellow flowers erupt.
It is survival, these things you do.

About this poem

I was humbled yesterday. Not in a bad way, but humbled none the less.

Some of you know I am part of a creative group started by my friend Jon Katz. Different ones of us write, paint, do fabric art, photograph and find creative things to do and share. We think of the group as a ministry of encouragement. Many of us created very little until we were brought together. Others of us created, but very quietly, holding our light under a bushel. We are scattered all over the country and even beyond.

Beyond the creativity, we’ve become friends, sharing each other’s burdens and joys. It’s an amazing thing, a testimony to the power of being encouraging.

Yesterday, I came home to find a big Fed-package on my back porch. And in it was this framed version of one of my poems, the calligraphy done by one member of the group who is an artist and calligrapher, the frame done by another member, who is a writer and inspiration, plus evidently, a framer. It seems a number of members of the group were in on this:

 

:Later in the evening, I was blessed by seeing the work of another member and friend, who is photographer, and cross stitch artist who is taking one of my poems and creating her own art from it. :

Any writer or artist wants their work to touch people, but many never really get to see, really see, when their words, or images or art touch others. We do it because we have to, because there is something in us. But often we hide it under a bushel, and we never get to understand the power of creativity to inspire, touch, heal, provoke or make people think. I’m blessed because I have this group, and many of you, who tell me. But many never take that plunge and put it “out there.”

If you are one of those keeping your art, whatever that might be, to yourself, I’d urge you to consider finding a place to share it. It’s scary at first, but you’ll likely be surprised – each of us have a talent that can speak to others like no one else can do. You can make a difference in someone’s life by what you say or paint, by a photograph or shared experience.

And if you are fortunate, you might find a gift or kind words that will encourage YOU. I often say I write as a kind of therapy. But at times, like yesterday, it also can become an affirmation, and even an unexpected gift.

Be well, travel wisely,

Tom