Poem: The Balance Between Art and Just Commodity

The first stanza is based on a writing prompt (#whistpr Daily Prompt on Bluesky, run by @whistberry.bsky.social). The prompt word is #canvas. The rest of the poem is an extension of that prompt.

Your life is made of
broad brushstrokes
and you control the
color and type of paint.
They say that the world
is your #canvas.
But to be seen
in a gallery
your painting must be bought
by a wealthy investor.


It is one thing
to make art for art's sake.
For the love of it
Ideas fly across the #canvas
to take shape in new
and wild ways.
To deconstruct well-worn ideas
and breathe new life
in original forms.
They are a piece of your soul.


But in a world
where ideas are no longer
considered unique
and creativity
is only a means to an end.
Where numbers
to satisfy an algorithm
And images
culled to make a profit
the #canvas crumbles.


The challenge is
to keep that spirit alive
despite all means
and attempts to kill it.
And it is a balance
not to compromise
the quality of your #canvas
as you present it
and make it seen
by all the world.