For this 4th of July Poetry Friday I’m thinking about Responsibility and Freedom. I’m sharing a poem, some art and a taste from the Charles White art exhibit now at The Art Institute of Chicago. If you are here in the US hope you can share the 4th with some family and friends and reflect for a bit on responsibility and freedom.
RESPONSIBILITY
Ouch–Children are all our responsibility
Open your hearts, your arms, your backward bias
That homeless child needs gentleness, and your humility
Ouch–Children are all our responsibility
That homeless child craves an end to irrational inadmissibility
Treat them as your own, set aside your petty prejudicial impious
Ouch–Children are all our responsibility
Open your hearts, your arms, your backward bias
© 2018 Michelle Kogan
Images from the exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago, Charles White: A Retrospective,
through September 3, 2018
Charles White was an African American artist, (1918-1979) who created art images about “equality,” and more specifically how equality related to the plight of the African American. He was born in Chicago, and studied at the School of the Art Institute. He was an excellent draftsman, painter, and printmaker. Here is a quote from his interest in “social change,” Paint is the only weapon I have with which to fight what I resent. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago’s website for more on this exhibit.
Drop by Carol at her blog Carol’s Corner for this weeks Poetry Friday Roundup! Thanks for hosting Carol!
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, & Writing 
The woman in the drawing leaning over papers is as I imagine my character in my work in progress. This artwork is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Margaret, I was very taken and inspired by Charles White’s artwork-I’ve been looking forward to the exhibit and will return again.
What incredible talent. I’m drawn to that little lad in the bottom left corner. Wondering what was written by way of explanation for that piece – the symbolism behind the triangle? Or is it a string/elastics game?
Kat, it’s a Cat’s Cradle game–there are layers in that painting beyond the paint of his rich art, thanks.
There are several that touch me, seeming to show the terrible yearning for better, for freedom, especially that second one, by the Langston Hughes, two sisters? mother and daughter? looking out at the world that they want to be in. Thanks, Michelle, and yes, “Ouch–Children are all our responsibility”. It’s sorrowful to imagine that there are those who do not believe that.
Thanks Linda—sometimes art helps to open eyes that don’t want to see.
I just got to see that wonderful Charles White exhibition. His work is AMAZING. I like your poem, too. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Hi Ruth, Are you in Chicago, or did you see it at another museum, if you are send me an email: michellekogan@michellekogan.com Thanks!
What a beautiful combination, Michelle. Your art and your words are so, so poignant, and captured what I cannot even begin to articulate right now. I also love Charles White’s work. He’s new to me, but I’m definitely going to have to check out this exhibit. I wish I was going to Chicago so I could see this myself.
Responsibility and freedom. An important pairing of words and beautifully accompanied by Charles White’s work. It’s so powerful. With his quote in mind, I just spent time looking at the images closer and was drawn to the subjects’ eyes. Wow!
I like your artwork at the top, Michelle. Thanks for linking “responsibility” and “freedom.”
yes, indeed, ouch for the children and those families and may many more of us open our minds and hearts to their plight and welcome them. Thank you for sharing both your art (freedom and responsibility must go together) and for sharing Charles White’s art. Those are some powerful paints he wields.