An Artist’s Duty

If an artist’s duty is to reflect the times

then let me submit myself as evidence

for the crimes we keep committing

every day

Let my heartache be a mirror

to the brokenness that I see

and my disorderliness, a reflection

of the chaos that we breathe

And should you wish my tears refrain

or should you find my rage alarming,

take a moment to recall

my obligations due.

If an artist’s duty is to reflect the times

then let me stand before you trembling

uncertain of where I have been

and where I am going

And if I appear before you fragile

let that not dampen my credibility

as a witness to the crimes

of a precarious age.

If an artist’s duty is to reflect the times

Then let my vulnerability be a depiction

of the hazards

and the dangers we create

Let my body be a canvas

and my scars, a cruel reminder

of all the healing

that we still have left to do

And should I not be what you wanted

please consider changing course

for it is you and I together

that must choose.