Summer Sunflowers, detail WIP, © 2019 Michelle Kogan, watercolor and watercolor pencil.
Happy Poetry Friday!
When life catches me between too many due dates, I tend to retreat to painting even though another area may need more attention. The result in the long run seems to center and focus my thoughts. These ideas are where my poem and painting emerged from this week.
PERSEVERANCE
When you paint in watercolor sometimes you pause…
Which path will you take–
Which road will you choose,
the one well trodden or
the meandering unknown…
Will you sing for the masses
or sing to your heart–
Where lies the reward,
in popularity or perhaps
between those layered sighs
where questions, frustration,
and failures cry
carry on,
carry on,
look deep
look inside.
© 2019 Michelle Kogan
Carol Wilcox at her blog Carol’s Corner is hosting this weeks poetry Friday Roundup, thanks for hosting Carol! Carol is sharing a post on her deep, yet objective love of her new service puppy dog that she’s training, and her poem will melt your heart away. Be sure to stop by her blog for her poem, pics, and more Poetry Friday goodness!
Visit Renée LaTulippe’s site No Water River to find out more about what Poetry Friday is.
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, & Writing 
Carry on carry on! That’s what the sunflowers do, just as long as they can… Thank you, Michelle! I love the thought of you retreating to and finding your center through painting. xo
Thanks Irene, in the midsts of all we need to find a small time for recharging our batteries.
When I do, it does pull me into some reflection, mostly about writing. Your poem says it right, Michelle, “between those layered sighs/where . . .” Thank you.
For me, I think it’s a walk. And a walk with a camera (or phone) is even better. To appreciate the simple things, and ponder the big things.
This is lovely, Michelle. I would love to be in school again with all the understandings that have piled up in me in the aging process. When I was young I didn’t have that insight…that looking inside to express. I love the journey your poem takes. And, I think I get it now in a way that is very meaningful. I’m wishing you catch-up time and joy as you meet deadlines.
“between the layered sighs” is where we find strength and hope. Thanks for sharing this vulnerable part of yourself. Your paintings are inspiring as are your poems.
I love where your painting and poetry led you. Carry on!
Your trust in the process is admirable, Michelle. Knowing that it’s okay to turn away from the to-do list long enough to regroup and focus—that in the long run you’ll be better off—is very wise. Look deep and carry on sounds like a good motto for us all!
I like to think that maybe, just maybe, we can have almost everything, and if we can’t, it’s still more important to sing to your heart. At least, this is the truth that living 66 years has given me.
Michelle, your poem swept me into my own meandering stage “where questions, frustration, and failures cry carry on.” These are beautiful lines as is your painting. I can see that you are in the creativity zone much of your time. It is a reflective and inspiring place to be.