The Fortune Cookie
written by: Thomas R Bates
This Chinese fortune cookie
Has haunted me for many years—
“ART IS NOT ART IF NO ONE SEES IT.”
It does have a point, I guess, just like,
Music is not music if no one hears it,
Or poetry is not poetry if no one reads it,
And so on, but that’s just half of the equation.
The other half is the need for self expression
With no regard to whether or not it will be
Fulfilled by a willing audience in order
To complete the artistic endeavor.
To take this idea one step further,
The same might be said for this;
As I sit here eating my dinner
Outside on a warm summer
Evening where it can easily
Be described as paradise,
But is it really paradise
If you have no one
To share it with.
Born: 3/23/51 in Minneapolis, Mn.
Education: Edina High School, University of Minnesota, Normandale State Jr. College, St. Cloud State College, Biology major, Art minor.
Was a professional fine artist, (landscape painter) for 30 years, selling approximately 750 paintings. Worked in a fine Wine Shop, in Minneapolis, MN for 30 years as a wine specialist, doing some writing for staff wine picks, as well as, writing for their web site. Has written poetry on and off since 1995, when asked to read a poem for a funeral. In the tradition of ancient Chinese & English poets, has put many of them to music.
Education: Edina High School, University of Minnesota, Normandale State Jr. College, St. Cloud State College, Biology major, Art minor.
Was a professional fine artist, (landscape painter) for 30 years, selling approximately 750 paintings. Worked in a fine Wine Shop, in Minneapolis, MN for 30 years as a wine specialist, doing some writing for staff wine picks, as well as, writing for their web site. Has written poetry on and off since 1995, when asked to read a poem for a funeral. In the tradition of ancient Chinese & English poets, has put many of them to music.
Latest posts by Thomas R Bates (see all)
- The Fortune Cookie - November 12, 2020
- MAN OR MOUSE - September 5, 2020
- Obsolete - July 17, 2020
