Vision

The poetry
         of unapparent reality
that which before our eyes
          we fail to see
Life in the broad swathe
         and in the fine detail
Cézanne steadied the hand
         trained the eye
learned to see the elements
         that constitute
the whole picture
          rendered
a simplification
          of complexity

Does the earth not
         celebrate itself
with so much beauty
         in sound and sight
and taste and texture ?
          A contemplative art
the form and movement
         of thought

The artist’s responsibility
         to be true to the truth
to have the courage
         of one’s convictions and
to wield an impeccable palate
         with aching precision

John Lyons