The Lives Of Artists

Originally posted 12/02/2010; original title “Lives Of The Artists”

They begin
when an explosion
turns the inside out
like a burst in the night sky
on a holiday, and they 

burn. One day a look around
confirms for each
that what was inside,
what warmed them and fueled them
for years,  has burnt down

to ash.  Then begins the refilling,
or the attempt to refill; so begin
experiments and failures,
now and then comes a slight replica
of those first fireworks,

but it is never the same. Some
say that’s to be expected, some say
it’s the way, some say nothing
and turn away — no matter.
They keep lighting tinder in the dark.

Hear a recording of this piece: The Lives Of Artists