inception

   I had a dream long ago - 
a vision, if you will, 

     in which all the people
of the earth
        pursued and engaged in
  that which they were
               created to do... 

those inclined to create music
        created beautiful, melodious music, 

       those inspired to dance
                  danced with grace and fervor... 

those inclined to paint
         painted with all the colors
      under the sun... 

   those inspired to build with their hands
               built sculptures and buildings
        with great precision and grandeur... 

those given words and insight
      wrote with profound eloquence and wisdom...

  those with a special bond to the earth's soil
            cultivated crops and plants 
                      for both beauty & sustenance... 

nimble fingers
 sewed, knitted, and quilted 
                 brilliant fabrics and 
                     soft materials for clothing and warmth... 

    all working together in wonderful harmony and
              in such a sweet rhythm, 

        meeting one another's needs, 
                bartering their crafts, skills, 
                     & time...

   
   I awoke with tears filling my eyes
       from witnessing such beauty
    and from having to leave such a place... 

   
  Upon much reflection, 
           I now know that this 
is the very reason

           the world now makes sense
       only when 
I am in front of a canvas
            covered in paint...

   the reason I must continue to create, 

            to bring a piece of that 
    vision into fruition
                 
            here amongst a society
  looking only to make a buck,
              leaving all inclinations 
    & inspiration behind
         somewhere along the road 
between expectation
                        & success... 


  to inspire others to dive head first 
            into this vision,
                 finding their voice, their place, 
    above the noise

            & calling out to others
                       to do the same.