Dare to Provide
When one assumes the position of artist
One must expect the critics to arrive
And notice every stroke and color
Suggesting a hue is improper or
A stroke too broad. They have their preconceived
Notions of what this should be or what that
Should say to society but you have,
Dear artist, a mind of your own that wants
To say what you’ve said and they should leave it
Alone. Yet, just that they’ve noticed and said
Anything means that your work has been seen.
This, alone, should give you pride that your work
Has fully arrived. Not many will feel
Just what you feel and they might just feel it
And not like it at all so they warn those
Who would feel, not as you but, as they do.
Nor, perhaps, would you want them to, but to
See what you feel, what you project, feelings
Through art weren’t made to protect. Just take pride
That critics will see and present your work
To society who will, in their turn,
Take time to decide the value of what
You feel inside and dare to provide.
February 2024
I don't remember what inspired this poem, but it expresses what I feel about one's own art be it writing, painting, or gardening. That does not mean I don't believe in a good edit, or respected opinion. I just know I've watched many a great movie that was highly criticized in a negative fashion and I couldn't agree less. So, sometimes the artist has to make the final decision on the artwork's release. I chose this picture because I thought something more abstract would best serve the purpose of this poem.
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