Every Pixel of a Poem

Essay 1 When a painter paints a picture He must have a clear intent For a snapshot just of nature Has small chance of paying rent So he adds some extra features Meant to give Nature a hand And removes what he thinks blemish Casting stain upon the land. But his painting rarely shows us Any truth we’re loathe to see And the warts and such are hidden From both friends and family Now for “art’s” sake modern painters Throw in stuff as on a dare Here a clock that flows like honey There fictitious endless stair. Seems that painting’s mostly gimmicks Once you get your technique down Inspiration mostly passive Living lessons mostly drown. No denying painter’s talent But just what is their intent Motivation likely money Wine their cure for discontent. What’s the message that lives on then? Where the pixels black and white? They all die in color’s hubris And we never see their light. Essay 2 When a poet writes a poem, It is something he must do, And the message he is sending Has a purpose and it’s you! Poets don’t just seek to dazzle, Not their goal to be unkind, But they’d be so very joyful If they just could touch your mind. Although tones give harmony And emotion lives there too Still the word is music’s soulmate Shares her bed when day is through. Words and voice are truly music Content rich if sound’s not pure Language that can say, “I love you!” Should make painters insecure. Words are pixels that have content Never can get lost in crowd Always missed when they are missing Sometimes make their parents proud! Words can never just be pictures Always moving never still Everlasting best expression Of man’s pleasure, of man’s will. “Haiku” writers please take note then, For the writing’s on the wall, Senryu are truly haiku, Old traditions what must fall! Long Tooth July 15, 2016