From Life to Art

The beauty we’ve been given,

Is in that which is unseen;

And although unseen, we hold confidently to its’ reality

In a secret balance of faith and passion.

For a painter is not a painter,

Until he approaches his canvas.

A writer is not a writer,

Until she captures creativity through the power of words.

A traveler is not a traveler,

Until he courageously walks away from the security of certainty.

In everything we start with nothing,

Faithfully holding onto what could be;

And although we cannot foresee successes or failures,

With passion we must pursue Everything. 

The same holds true for love…

For a friend is not friend,

Nor a neighbor a neighbor,

Until kindness is given freely, expecting nothing in return.

A brother is not a brother,

Nor a sister a sister,

Until they have carried each other’s burdens.

A mother is not a mother,

Nor a father a father,

Until they experience true love’s sacrifice.

So in our desire to truly live

We must approach our canvas,

Walk courageously,

Carry one another’s burdens,

Love sacrificially,

And vulnerably embrace our imperfections,

It is here that life becomes art,

And our lives an empty canvas,

Waiting to be faithfully and passionately approached. 

Dedicated to my dear Aunt Debbie.