Open
My one little word
finds me;
open your eyes
to your own heart;
listen
to what she loves.
I painted a magnolia
in cadmium blue and crimson red.
Do you see the red and blue?
To make good art,
first you must see.
I saw the perfect magnolia
hanging in my neighbor’s tree,
the one ravaged by a hurricane,
yet today,this tree sings
its magnolia hymn to heaven.
Now I see, magnolia to magnolia,
critical eye turned off,
yes, beauty, art.
Make this art.
Who cares about appreciation,
glorification, success (whatever that means),
just create.
I see magnolia to magnolia–happiness.
This is all I need.
–Margaret Simon, written at Acadiana Wordlab May 17, 2014
Very important words to remember and very well written.
To make good art, first you must see. That is the essence of all creation, I think.
I saw the perfect magnolia
hanging in my neighbor’s tree,
the one ravaged by a hurricane,
yet today,this tree sings
its magnolia hymn to heaven.
I love the connections you make between your magnolia and the one that inspires you.
“Do you see the red and blue?” Love that line.
Oh, Margaret, your work is gorgeous! I love “this tree sings
its magnolia hymn to heaven.” All you need-so right!
“Magnolia to Magnolia” what an inspired conversation you created. I’m wondering where have you hung that beautiful painting.
Beauty in picture and beauty in words. Poetry and art in full bloom.
lovely!
Magnolia to magnolia happiness – I just love the very thought of that, Margaret!
What a beautiful painting and poem! I feel like you were channeling the same ideas I was in my Slice of Life, only you focused on paying attention to nature and art. Love it!