A Work of Art

I think about commissioned art:

does the commission cause a compromise? 

If anyone ever commissions me to write a poem

I hope I will confer with the Writing Spirit

then

just

let

the poem

Be

I listened to Amy Goodman interview Cornel West a few weeks ago¹ and I was incredibly moved by Dr. West’s courage to expose the hypocrisy of the Obama administration.  A well-known philosopher and intellectual, Dr. West spoke freely and passionately.  His words weren’t beholden to anyone with power or influence, but to his own standard of moral integrity. 

I'm inspired by his words to do likewise:  to not allow the promise of success, comfort, or any convenience to weaken my character, and to not allow the various agendas of people and powers to compromise my art.  I don’t pretend that this will be easy; it will be a work of art.  May we all develop the eye for detail, the perfect timing, the critical analysis and profound courage that will create the masterpiece of an uncompromising life.

¹ http://www.democracynow.org/2013/7/22/cornel_west_obamas_response_to_trayvon

Copyright August 2013 by Dianne Durham