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For Rodolfo, Mimi, Marcello and Musetta

O to be a poet!
What must I do?
Need special rhymes
I pursue…

perhaps elegant forms 
transcending more common, 
like Midas touch
words golden~ a poet’s Mammon!

O when will an artist get honored
due – afford even a stove without a hand
operated flue; companion after companion
in wraps, out the door, shouting,
a chilling~ I love you...but I’m Through!

Unable to fill her stomach enough
with elegant phrases, with grand sketches
on pages, while her less
enamored friends render their prosperous 
soulmates lavish praises: hooked up with

lawyers and doctors, learned researchers,
doing battle with nature’s debilitating curses --

politicians…? O Well, no one’s perfect

while everyone agreeing, the dedicated
artist, is such a well-intentioned, thoughtful bloke

the irate landlord shaking his head, again bemoaning

I know...late with the rent, still broke….

Copyright © Joe Dimino | Year Posted 2024

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Ink Empress Date: 1/5/2024 12:23:00 AM This is such a deep and meaningful poem. Theres so many artists that most that aren’t artists would be judged by, as we live in a world that believe being an artist is a waste, i bet back in the days it would have been more intense, and for an artist to still pursue being one despite the challenges is brave. I love so many lines in this. Especially “ Unable to fill her stomach enough with elegant phrases, with grand sketches on pages,“ how deep and soul stirring is that!many Can resonate. Lov it Login to Reply Joe Dimino Date: 1/5/2024 10:19:00 AM Thank you, IE. Europe was in the grip of a mini ice age, back then, La Boheme era, which was particularly deadly for the poor -- students. It has always been a monetary sacrifice to be a dedicated artist. Myself, I guess, could have been a successful song writer or greeting card sentimentalist, jiggle maker for commercials, but choose to strive for soul driven individuality as opposed to lucrative popularity. Sometimes, not often, they can be one in the same. Picasso took a big gamble that paid off.

Victor Buhagiar Date: 1/4/2024 1:22:00 AM Your ending always produces a smile. Lovely poem. Login to Reply Joe Dimino Date: 1/4/2024 9:23:00 AM Thank you, victor; written for all the struggling young artists. Fun to write, recalling my youth and non conformity. Happy New Year. Wishing you health and happiness.

Hilda Greenhough Date: 1/3/2024 8:00:00 PM This one got me interested. The life of an artist can be bleak. Thanks for your poem. Login to Reply Joe Dimino Date: 1/4/2024 9:25:00 AM Perhaps my favorite opera, La Boheme -- Blessings my friend. Thank you.

Silent One Date: 1/3/2024 11:37:00 AM I think your O to be a poet!" reflects on the challenges and struggles that artists, particularly poets, face in society and on this site also... Always expressed uniquely.. Login to Reply Joe Dimino Date: 1/4/2024 9:30:00 AM I can remember in my early days, hawking my drawings to New York Galleries. Later, haunting the museums, admiring the works of the masters. Though New York has become garbage, I have great memories of a vibrant, thriving cultural past.

Vijay Pandit Date: 1/3/2024 10:14:00 AM Your ending line says brilliantly of the travails of artists--late with rent--still broke-- a unique theme, my friend dwelling in realism and angst of humanity. Your honor the artists with this poem, Joe. Splendid theme, splendid write. Login to Reply Joe Dimino Date: 1/4/2024 9:33:00 AM Thank you, Vjay; I actually lived this romantic past when growing up. Lots of confusion and heartache, but a passion experienced that I would not change for anything in the world. May God forgive me my hurtful, selfish transgressions.