Exquisite Arts Magazine Vol 9- Fall Issue 2018 | Page 18

Find the
Can anyone be an artist?
People admiring my work often say, “I
could never do that!”
I say, “Yes, you can!”
_______________________________________________________________________________
Eight years ago, during a very difficult time in my career in finance (Downsizings, layoffs – let’s not talk about it,
OK?), my company sent me to a development workshop for female executives.
I came out of a particularly thought-provoking discussion group and penned the following very prophetic free verse.
Threads They Said
Mimi said, “Why don't you paint again?”
I said, “There's no time. I crunch numbers now.”
Carole said, “You can do it!”
I said, “No. I don’t think so.”
Cheryl said, “You have an artist within. Reach down. Bring it out.”
I said, “My numbers … they pay the bills.
Though, God knows, they don’t feed the soul anymore!”
Martha said, “There’s a strength within you.”
I asked, “Then why do I feel so weak, so beaten?”
Bob said, “Reach for the sky.
Pg. 18