Regaining a Bit of My Groove through Painting and Poetry (Inspired by Sunsets)

 Part I:

As you may or may not have noticed, I have not done too much writing lately...at least much that I have shared. And I think that my lack of production, coupled with lack of time dedicated to writing or other creative endeavors, has shaken a little of my confidence...or at least my creative confidence.

Part II:

Over the past two or three weeks I noticed an influx of sunset pictures on social media, too. And then I started noticing them again as I have had to run kids back and forth to rehearsals, to jobs, to the dentist, or to find a COIVD test. And I kept seeing them--all distinct from the previous day. Then the sunrises came, too, as I drove to campus each morning. For several consecutive days I drove blinded by beauty. My mind drifted through all sorts of metaphors regarding life, death, resurrection, the afterlife (and breakfast). It's a wonder I did not crash.

Part III:

Last Tuesday I was in charge of an activity for the 14-15 year old young men and women at church. Since Brooklyn falls into that age group, I asked her. She wanted to paint. Great idea. So I forced myself to create. I admit it was a struggle to come up with an idea at first, especially since I kept running back and forth with supplies for the teenagers (and they blasted the soundtrack to Disney's Encanto louder than should ever be played. Sidenote: (I am sick of Bruno!)

Part IV:

Right before I left the house, I saw an amazing sunset over the rooftops of my neighborhood. That became the inspiration for my amateur painting. After it was finished, I felt that it needed a poem, so I worked on that for the past few days. Now the desire to write and create and play is coming back!

Part V:

"Glory to Come"

Preparing

for His night shift,

the Master daubs the remnants

of today’s palette

over the blue-gray canvas,

sloshing purple and pink;

and with the waning light,

He rinses His brushes

through the clouds,

momentarily

spilling orange gold

around the edges.

 

The slipping sun winks

before sinking to black—

one last promise

of another masterpiece

to come.

Part VI:

As always, critiques and criticisms are welcome.