A Lesson In Drawing
My son places his paint box in front of me
and asks me to draw a bird for him.
Into the color gray I dip the brush
and draw a square with locks and bars.
Astonishment fills his eyes:
'… But this is a prison, Father,
Don't you know, how to draw a bird?'
And I tell him: 'Son, forgive me.
I've forgotten the shapes of birds.'
My son puts the drawing book in front of me
and asks me to draw a wheatstalk.
I hold the pen
and draw a gun.
My son mocks my ignorance,
demanding,
'Don't you know, Father, the difference between a
wheatstalk and a gun?'
I tell him, 'Son,
once I used to know the shapes of wheatstalks
the shape of the loaf
the shape of the rose
But in this hardened time
the trees of the forest have joined
the militia men
and the rose wears dull fatigues
In this time of armed wheatstalks
armed birds
armed culture
and armed religion
you can't buy a loaf
without finding a gun inside
you can't pluck a rose in the field
without its raising its thorns in your face
you can't buy a book
that doesn't explode between your fingers.'
My son sits at the edge of my bed
and asks me to recite a poem,
A tear falls from my eyes onto the pillow.
My son licks it up, astonished, saying:
'But this is a tear, father, not a poem!'
And I tell him:
'When you grow up, my son,
and read the diwan of Arabic poetry
you'll discover that the word and the tear are twins
and the Arabic poem
is no more than a tear wept by writing fingers.'
My son lays down his pens, his crayon box in
front of me
and asks me to draw a homeland for him.
The brush trembles in my hands
and I sink, weeping.
poem by Nizar Qabbani
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Related quotes
Draw Me A Map Of This World
lady draw me a map of
this world
and tell me where the
mountains and
rivers are
draw me an island
of soft grass
where a man and
woman can rest
and make love
draw me a pond
a larger one where
the orange goldfish
are fat where the
swans can swim
draw me some
clouds where the
birds can fly
make them real
please
i need all of them
for me
to be real today.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Colour Of My Love
I'll paint my mood in shades of blue
Paint my soul to be with you
I'll sketch your lips in shaded tones
Draw your mouth to my own
I'll draw your arms around my waist
Then all doubt I shall erase
I'll paint the rain that softly lands on your wind-blown hair
I'll trace a hand to wipe out your tears
A look to calm your fears
A silhouette of dark and light
While we hold each other oh so tight
I'll paint a sun to warm your heart
Swearing that we'll never part
That's the colour of my love
I'll paint the truth
Show how I feel
Try to make you completely real
I'll use a brush so light and fine
To draw you close and make you mine
I'll paint the truth
Show how I feel
Try to make you completely real
I'll use a brush so light and fine
To draw you close and make you mine
I'll paint a sun to warm your heart
Swearing that we'll never part
That's the colour of my love
I'll draw the years all passing by
So much to learn so much to try
And with this ring our lives will start
Swearing that we'll never part
I offer what you cannot buy
Devoted love until we die
song performed by by Celine Dion from The Colour Of My Love
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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With the smell of turpentine
With the smell of turpentine
and paint in front of the fireplace
you paint magical lines
with blue, green and gold
and I look at you
while brush strokes
like magic make abstract images appear.
The Creator must have looked like this
while He looked at the world
while building it
and I see your golden eyes
looking carefully at the painting
and at times you frown
while you try to draw perfect lines
and light and colour
create magical feelings
and flow into each other
and you build shade and depth.
Gasping for breath lovely are you
while your fingers play with the brush
and there are more than curves and lines
from which your beauty comes.
poem by Gert Strydom
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Keep Drawing
You are on the other side of a flower
I walk a wilderness
I see an ocean in you darling
You draw with a smile
Your art brings me hope
Hope I seem to have lost
Let me hear the sea
I awake in this dry sand
A picture on a prison cell
A tear mixed with a smile
A myth like a butterfly
I see you sitting by the shoreline
Some love acrylics
Some paint with watercolors
She likes to draw
Black and white filled with contrast
I have to write and play music
Can you hear my acoustic guitar?
Can you feel me?
I am so glad we met
Maybe someday we will touch
Keep drawing my darling
poem by Joseph Narusiewicz
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Draw Closer to God
Draw closer to God
and He will draw nigh unto thee,
provided you’re willing to…
demonstrate actual honesty.
For He can always see
intentions written upon one’s heart.
Stop playing games and come clean;
otherwise, His Spirit may soon depart.
Jehovah transcends the boundaries of time;
So to Him, there is nothing new under the sun.
Start by freely accepting Salvation’s gift,
which was provided by the Divine One.
One can keep His presence nearby -
For He always inhabits our praise.
Open your mouth and sing of His joy,
during the remainder of your days.
Draw closer to God
and He will draw nigh too.
Know that He dearly covets a…
lasting relationship with you.
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http: //www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
poem by Joseph James Breunig 3rd
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Draw The Line
Brothers and sisters
Were gonna draw the line to forget about the problems abroad
But, in the end, we all have problems of our own
Gangs, crack, racism, and many people dont have hope
It probably dont matter much to you
In the struggles, the time that we live
But, you dont know your future, so you better take time to give
Whos gonna draw the line?
Were gonna draw the line
Together, forever and ever
You must be thinking, I cant do a thing
But look at me, I help when I sing
Where man can make a difference
Like ceasar chaves and doctor king
We all have the ability to release a positive capability
Where the youth is our responsibility
Its time to take a stand
Whos gonna draw the line?
Were gonna draw the line
Together, forever and ever
Brothers and sisters
Where gonna draw the line to make people change
Yo Im optimistic, down with positivity
But yo Im realistic, this line will be drawn over night
This is a struggle so prepare to fight
Whos gonna draw the line?
Were gonna draw the line
Together, forever and ever
song performed by by P.O.D.
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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In Michael Robins’s Class Minus One
At the desk where the boy sat, he sees the Chicago River.
It raises its hand.
It asks if metaphor should burn.
He says fire is the basis for all forms of the mouth.
He asks, why did you fill the boy with your going?
I didn't know a boy had been added to me, the river says.
Would you have given him back if you knew?
I think so, the river says, I have so many boys in me,
I'm worn out stroking eyes looking up at the day.
Have you written a poem for us? he asks the river,
and the river reads its poem,
and the other students tell the river
it sounds like a poem the boy would have written,
that they smell the boy's cigarettes
in the poem, they feel his teeth
biting the page.
And the river asks, did this boy dream of horses?
because I suddenly dream of horses, I suddenly dream.
They're in a circle and the river says, I've never understood
round things, why would leaving come back
to itself?
And a girl makes a kiss with her mouth and leans it
against the river, and the kiss flows away
but the river wants it back, the river makes sounds
to go after the kiss.
And they all make sounds for the river to carry to the boy.
And the river promises to never surrender the boy's shape
to the ocean.
Draw The Line
You can write me a letter
But I wont tell you where I am
Oh you can send me a postcard baby
But I wont tell you where I stand
Well Im right outside of your window
And Im walking on through your love
And Im giving you all I can babe
But I know what youve been thinking of
And now baby its time
Baby its time
To draw the line
Draw the line
You may have good intentions
And I may be dead wrong
If what you see here isnt love babe
Its cause Im too tired to be that strong
Now Im burned out on your affection
Because it comes from a jaded tongue
And Im burned out on your direction baby
I know Im not the only one
Baby its time
Baby its time
To draw the line
Draw the line
Draw that line baby
Draw that line yeah
Keep it straight
Keep it close
And tell me
What do you have in mind
Im gonna take this heartache
Im gonna turn it all inside out
Im gonna find every livin last drop of love
Until Im too sure to have any doubt
Now you can love me if you want me
Or you can turn away and tell me to go
Now you can write me a letter
You can send me a postcard
But dont tell me what youre thinking
If you really dont know baby
Baby its time to draw the line
Draw the line
Yeah draw that line
song performed by by Indigo Girls
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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One must always draw, draw with the eyes, when one cannot draw with a pencil.
A Tear Drop On A Rose
Written and recorded by hank williams (sr)
While [c] strolling thru a lovely [g7] garden
As day was drawing to a [c] close...[g7]
My [c] eyes be-[c7]-held a tragic [f] story
I [g7] saw a teardrop on a [c] rose.
It should have been a tear of gladness
But deep inside the sorrow shows
A trusting heart had just been broken
I saw a teardrop on a rose.
A sobbing tear that follows parting
Holds all the pain that sorrow knows
A false goodbye a life is shattered
There lies a story on a rose.
The tear will dry the rose will wither
When spring and winter comes and goes
I loved, I lost, my story ended
With just a teardrop on a rose.
song performed by by Hank Williams
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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A Teardrop On The Rose
Written and recorded by hank williams (sr)
While [c] strolling thru a lovely [g7] garden
As day was drawing to a [c] close...[g7]
My [c] eyes be-[c7]-held a tragic [f] story
I [g7] saw a teardrop on a [c] rose.
It should have been a tear of gladness
But deep inside the sorrow shows
A trusting heart had just been broken
I saw a teardrop on a rose.
A sobbing tear that follows parting
Holds all the pain that sorrow knows
A false goodbye a life is shattered
There lies a story on a rose.
The tear will dry the rose will wither
When spring and winter comes and goes
I loved, I lost, my story ended
With just a teardrop on a rose.
song performed by by Hank Williams
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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My father said, 'Politics asks the question Is it expedient Vanity asks Is it popular But conscience asks Is it right'
quote by Dexter Scott King
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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My Promise
'You remember this girl, don't you?
Cause she remembers you, and she's pregnant too.'
The words split through my ears,
Giving way to plunging fears.
'They know who the father is,
A boy named you is who it is.'
I felt my head start to whirl, How could it be?
Couldn't remember anything, ‘tween her and me.
'Really? ' I looked around, and took in the stares.
All around me, disapproving glares.
I was kicking myself inside, how could I do such a thing
But the problem was, once you're in, you're in.
I vaguely remember the rush of her hair,
The tan skin, and freckles so fair.
Now I heard the adults speak and let their views go
They fought back and forth, and finally, lo.
'We'll put the baby up for adoption.' They finally agreed
But something had planted in my heart, a little seed.
Packed my bags and jumped on a train
Pushing on, despite their demands.
Somewhere far away, I could see her all alone,
Carrying a precious bundle inside, all on her own.
Something deep inside me was crying out.
Something telling me to make it right.
Can't fix what happened so many nights before,
But I can change that which does now come afore.
I stand at her front door, knocking now.
No retreat left. Can't back down now.
I see her beautiful face, appear in front of me
And beneath her clothes, a little bump I can see.
In the middle of this storm, she's so frail and tired,
Wishing someone would care, that the accusers would retire.
Her haunted eyes look up, tortured at me, she asks why I'm here.
I can see that her lips quiver, now as I draw near.
'Hey Missy, I know what they all say, but I've come here to stay,
I want to be the father of my baby. I promise I won't go away.'
I was trying so hard not to cry, not to give away my emotions inside
But she was breaking down in tears, with feelings she couldn't hide.
I wrapped my arms around her, as I felt her sob.
'They want to take him away, and he's not even born.'
I could feel her fuelling my fire. As now I stood tall,
Faced those who would tear us apart, 'It ain't gonna happen at all! '
I turned, put my arm around her trembling shoulders,
And together we walked away, now stronger and older.
Whispered in her ear, 'I love you, there ain't another.
Those who would, won't separate me from you ever.
That baby's mine, and I will be there for him.
This is my choice, my promise, not just a whim.'
All around, did the sceptics and critics cry,
We raised our hands, together, them we will defy.
Can't change what happened in the past, but we can the now.
The shaping of our future, is the here and now.
poem by Joses Tirtabudi
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2008: We Don't Have All the Answers
He's been to Sunday School
He's had a chance to read the Bible
He's see pictures of The Garden
Colored Noah the animals and the Ark
Now he's home and ready to play
Wants to draw a dinosaur
Asks me what colors to use
How big to make the teeth and eyes
I wasn't sure how to tell him
All we have are impressions
On rocks fossilized gray dusty bones
I admitted I wasn't sure
What colors or how big
Science - I did tell him - isn't sure
And the Bible
Just doesn't say
poem by Tom J. Mariani
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Why Me?
When the hopes are hassled
And relationships are rattled
Naïveté asks, why me?
When wishes are whacked
And dreams are dashed
Naïveté asks, why me?
When fantasies are fettered
And blessings are battered
Naïveté asks, why me?
When desires are demolished
And ambitions are admonished
Naïveté asks, why me?
When temptations are traumatized
And passions are pulverized
Naïveté asks, why me?
Strangely,
Naïveté with influence
And naïveté with affluence
Never asks, why me?
Naïveté with name
And naïveté with fame
Never asks, why me?
Naïveté with health
And naïveté with wealth
Never asks, why me?
Naïveté with fiefdom
And naïveté with wisdom
Never asks, why me?
Naïveté with beauty
And naïveté with booty
Never asks, why me?
poem by Hitesh Sheth
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Draw A Line Right There
This summer been tough, but
After all days I spent crying,
I realized that I need to
Draw a line right there
Just look forth
Put my head up, take a breath and walk away
Just forget all this past and
Smile again by turning my frown upside down
I'm happy without you
I have outgrown you
Even if you look cute and ask me for another chance
I will say no and just
Draw a line right there
I'm going a different path and
Hope to found another guy better than you
This feeling is just too much
My heart don't need this anymore or you
I'm tiring of staying home and
Let tears from my eyes dripping down
I want to get back out there and
See sunshine on me
Draw a line right there
Not going let you back in my life
We have good relationship and life together
So is bye forever from me
Good luck on finding someone new
Draw a line right there
poem by Christina Phan
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Observe Everything.
Communicate Well.
Draw, Draw, Draw.
quote by Frank Thomas
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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In the spirit of Rumi - 51: Beyond Artifice
Because I am a poet
and you are a poet
I would like to talk to you today
of how when My Beloved
smiles at me with that open smile
that asks nothing but the freedom
to express itself
then I can only think of
that white rose which this morning
took my breath away with its
innocent whiteness, its pure whiteness
with just a hint of a blush as if
it astonishes even itself
or I could speak of the white rose
which reminds me of
the smile of My Beloved
but in truth, the likeness
of these two becomes one
not in my poem but
in myself as I gaze with wonder
at white rose; receive
the smile of My Beloved which asks nothing;
and God, looking at me looking,
God who is all three of us
poem by Michael Shepherd
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A painter told me that nobody could draw a tree without in some sort becoming a tree or draw a child by studying the outlines of its form merely . . . but by watching for a time his motions and plays, the painter enters into his nature and can then draw him at every attitude . . .
quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Grave desecration
I will go to my father
where his grave is in the hillocks
and when I get to his grave
I will rise my eyes into the blue
and my eyes will look at the unfathomable
while the world depart from me
and there I will find God
while the day appears
and for moments I will
be in companionship with my Lord
as if He is with me in the graveyard
and see how roots tear the grave apart
and shadows will already draw lines
stretch out long from the hillocks
while twilight is creeping closer
and I will advance
right up to
the office of the caretaker
and he will have to explain
why I am finding a tree
on my mother’s resting place.
poem by Gert Strydom
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