Her Perfect Painting

So true, Carolyn ~ perfection is not the end all. It is the difference between creativity and criticism. So glad to find this wonderful poem published in the 2020 PS Anthology ~

Carolyn, I enjoyed reading this poem in the anthology, congrats on having it included. Perhaps always trying to be perfect is why I’m having trouble writing lately. Hugs, John

Lovely writing about the demon of perfection and how it can steal away the zest of creativity. I've fought that demon myself, and I know the paralyzing impact it can have. Learning to let it go and let it fly, then move on to the next! Congrats on your win today, my friend ~ John

A wonderful write Carolyn, congrats on a nice win!

also thanks for my win on your list!!

oh this is such good writing, Carolyn. I wanted so badly to catch up tonight. But I cannot even see 1/4 of the number of poets I want to visit. Joe on his way home and dishes not done. I will flee here in six minutes (see my one-liner, it came to me very suddenly, for it'd just how I am feeling)

As the young child, forced to practice piano, replied to her mother's adage that 'practice makes perfect:' "But who wants to be perfect, Mom!" Holiday best, Gershon

This is wonderful, Carolyn, and I love the layers and phrasing and flow ... I must fav this! Excellent work, my friend. Happy holidays to you and yours! :-) <3

Very clever and original; perfection's so draining. Or so they tell me; I've never managed to achieve it.

Outstanding poem, Inspiring and motivational.

What a wonderful fob using your well though out poem to convey humanity's greater need to always strive for rather than actually achieve success. St Mother Theresa of Calcutta once said, "we must strive to be faithful, not successful. congrats on your well deserved win.

Life will always offer a new puzzle to solve. Congrats on your win Carolyn!

Congratulations for your win! :)

Sadly perfection is a difficult thing to achieve, but an artist will always aim to do that... A sad poem, sadder that it is a true reflection of many an artist...

Your piece presents a reality I personally have to face. Thanks for sharing your talent. Congratulations. God bless you.

Hi Carolyn, striving for perfection can be the worst thing of all. Once perfection is reached where else is there for a person to go. I can understand that it does take the zest away. I do love the content of this write. One day I may be able to write something that I can hold up and be truly proud of. The struggle of the artist to reach her perfection, then to find she cannot reach those heights again, that would be terrible indeed. Have a wonderful Saturday. Hugs....Mike. XX

Once goals are achieved there's not much left afterwards, I can understand why it took her zest away. One should always keep a little in reserve. Tom.

Her mistake was striving for true perfection! As humans we can never achieve that, so striving for excellence would have been a more sensible solution. The subject of this beautiful poem achieved her own definition of perfection...in time she'll realize that she can repeat that feat, and maybe reach an even higher level. ~ Hugs // paul

A vexing dilemma you have portrayed Carolyn. I have never met an artist who reached this pentacle. Most art is a challenge but once in a while there is that perfect poem that you wouldn't want to change a thing about. I deep piece Carolyn. Well written! : )

Makes me glad I'm never going to achieve perfection. It's as though you are poetically delivering a moral; that the journey is the 'thing', not the arrival. Very well done, Carolyn, and very deep. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Eloquently you described the artist's mind..striving for that ultimate milestone..through all the highs and lows. And as you say..perfection took her zest away. Your poem applies to all artistic minds..a special poem..much said in a short poem..as only a few can. Kudos, Carolyn.

Oh my, so sad. Well expressed! :)

I enjoyed the dramatic emotions of your beautifully expressive poem, Carolyn. Maybe her idle musings will lead to exquisite poetry and renewed zest.. an exceptional and captivating piece. Warmest wishes always my lovely friend.. ~Susan

I know exactly what you are talking about here Carolyn, not so much perfection but that thing you strive for, that engulfs your mind, you try and try and then you finally achieve it and after that it is kind of a let down when you realize, there's nothing left to strive for. But, there is always something to strive for like looking forward to another beautiful poem from you. This was fantastic.