Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

The Artist


This poem was recognized by the Young Poets organization, Creative Communications. It was published in one of their anthologies, A Celebration of Young Poets, Texas Fall 1999, as well as in the International Library of Poetry's Hearts of Glass in 1998. I was inspired to write it while watching my kung fu partner Tai-San practice our forms. Admiring his moves, which were both graceful and powerful, I noticed that sometimes time seemed to slow down or stop completely. It was a very neat experience.
Helen models her $33 outfit and $40 staff.

The Artist

The artist stands serenely at attention,
His mind is clear and focused.
He is ready to show his craft.

He lunges forward in a cat-like movement,
Smoothly delivering a chop, a block, and a swing.
He pauses, suspended in motion,
Then leaps into action again.

He easily executes an intricate pattern,
His arms sweeping in a symmetrical arc,
His foot poised for a powerful kick.
A strange sort of poetic flow.

Quickly, he spins and blocks with precision,
Wheeling away from his invisible foe.
Reacting with force and also grace,
He pulls into a harmonious close,
Perfected from years of discipline and dedication.

That is the art in martial arts.