Notes About The Poem

Sculptures In the Desert

His life’s creations in the desert rise 
Magnificently over sage and sand,
Each one beyond the reach of human eyes,
In lonely, quiet vigil does it stand.
But why must he create his sculptures here 
Seen only by the cactus, snakes, and sun?
The answer in his younger days seemed clear,
In latter years that logic comes undone.
“Art justifies itself”, or so he’d say
“I need no human praise to do my best”;
He now believes art should be on display
That others’ lives might be enriched and blest. 
     So now he humbly builds his statues nearer,
     And hopes they’ll serve as prism, lens, and mirror.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Faulkner Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 10:44 AM
This had such an alluring mystic pull, I will have to check out that link now, thanks for sharing (and recommending) this!
Watt Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 12:49 PM
You're welcome, Michelle, and thank you for the visit!
Dietrich Avatar
March 8, 2020 at 1:28 PM
this one is so interesting. I thought maybe it was about God but is there some guy who does art out in the desert. One i Had not seen yet and I see a belated congrats is in order. CONGRATS! (oh, I just read below that there is a place and a person who has sculptures there!)
Watt Avatar
August 12, 2020 at 8:40 AM
Yes, and I finally was able to add a picture of one of his desert sculptures. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
Nau Avatar
December 5, 2018 at 10:28 PM
Just an elegant sonnet sculptured with exactly the right words. Taking us on a journey and teaching us a long the way. Delighted that you shared this, love the weave and rhythm. Just a winner.
Haight Avatar
October 2, 2016 at 7:25 PM
Art, in any form, is meant to be shared, John, the same way nature shares her beauty with us. A wonderfully uplifting Sonnet. Congrats on your fine placement in the contest. Sandra
Watt Avatar
August 12, 2020 at 8:40 AM
Thank you for the affirmation, Sandra.
May Avatar
October 2, 2016 at 11:09 AM
Congrats on a fine win John
Watt Avatar
August 12, 2020 at 8:40 AM
Thank you, Joseph.
Scars Avatar
October 2, 2016 at 10:26 AM
loved this sonnet John :) Congratulations on your placement :)-luloo
Watt Avatar
August 12, 2020 at 8:40 AM
Thank you, Lu Loo.
Daniel Avatar
October 2, 2016 at 8:39 AM
Glad to reread this beautiful sonnet once again:) congratulations on your win:) I did check out the desert sculptures and they sure are amazing:)
Watt Avatar
August 12, 2020 at 8:41 AM
Thank you, Jo. Glad you got to see the pictures.
Warrior Avatar
July 2, 2016 at 5:38 PM
Statue's sculpted in silence and solace...like our poetry...well done John...god bless...^WW^
Watt Avatar
August 12, 2020 at 8:41 AM
Thanks, Wingman.
Leiser Avatar
June 24, 2016 at 3:57 PM
A wonderful sonnet to read, John. I can imagine him creating those obscure statues in the desert I my mind's eye!
Watt Avatar
August 12, 2020 at 8:41 AM
Thank you, Laura.
Daniel Avatar
June 22, 2016 at 4:32 AM
Wow! Your subtle imageries are really cool:) I could never have made out the true meaning if not for your reply to Christine:) You excel:)
Watt Avatar
June 22, 2016 at 3:18 PM
Jo, thanks for the visit and the kind reply. If you get a chance to visit Borrego Springs in Southern California, check out the desert sculptures (Pix: http://www.desertusa.com/borrego/bs-art.html). They are these amazing metal sculptures that hardly anybody knows about. They inspired this sonnet.
Saputo Avatar
June 21, 2016 at 9:32 PM
Kinda reminds me of how I kept my poetry to myself. Never letting anyone else read it. I enjoyed reading this. :)
Watt Avatar
June 21, 2016 at 10:08 PM
Christine, that's exactly what this was about; my being too shy to share my poems. So glad you picked up on that. Thanks for the read and the reply ~ John
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