Sense of Wonder

I always appreciate when I receive feedback that something I have made has inspired others. My artwork is nearly always visual in nature. But occasionally I feel the need to express myself in verse rather than through images. The following poem, which has been previously posted on my blog, has provided an instance where my inspiration has been paid forward:

After The Storm

When the thunder ends and the rain stops falling

When the sea is calm and the birds start calling

The clouds will part like a curtain drawing

Promise of an open door

When the air is clear and the wind stops blowing

The sun reappears and the earth starts glowing

A light so strong as if all knowing

Sense of wonder to explore

In that window, in that time

A clearing of a cluttered mind

A ray of hope, it all takes form

In that moment, after the storm

When this poem was first posted, it inspired this companion poem by Jill Zaheer from JazWorks:

It took me on a journey

Which I read to be my own

Visually traveling to another place, another time

Yet in my own home.

The picture was a visual visceral rendering

Of the traveling of my soul.

It was mesmerizing, calming, captivating,

Transporting me, transforming me,

Making me whole.

Within that magical moment described,

After the Storm imparts a miraculous, new ability to see,

After the Storm ...........

Is now a special part of me.

And more recently, it inspired JoAnna Pierotti from Moss Hill Studio to create this beautiful artwork:

If you know Jo and her husband Ron's story, you will understand why this meant a lot to me. Click here to read Jo's post about this piece. While Jo initially gave this to Ron, she ultimately and generously decided to send it to me instead. She assured me that Ron did not mind at all.

So thank you Jill and Jo, for what you each created has inspired me in return!