Artist Unknown



Such masterpiece images so often I see,
But locked in my head; no one sees them but me.
So many the memorable, fun anecdote!
Too bad these aren’t stories I actually wrote.

Can my unique, new vision somehow be drawn out?
The artist inside me has not a doubt.
But I have tasks to complete, so I tuck them away.
Of course, I’ll revisit- when I have time someday.

A great verse for a poem, a tune for a song,
A story, an image - I can go all day long!
My mind’s a great reel where ideas reside.
People see me, but don’t know what’s inside.

Every so often, I might go to a store,
I buy canvas and brushes- supplies galore!
I set up my spot and begin to create,
But the family comes home and again, it must wait.

The next day is work; obligations ensue,
There’s workout and dinner- so much to do!
Then dishes and showers and dealing with pets,
(Today just excuses, but one day, regrets.)

The close of each day lets the great reel unwind;
Its unravelling releases lost treasures to find.
So, once again left to the thoughts in my head,
I make plans with my “art”, but soon put these to bed.

The canvas, the brushes, the supplies set aside,
My spot gathers dust as if somebody died.
And no one will read, and no one will see
These never-produced, yet “great works” by me.

About this poem

I wrote this poem for a friend. He'd recently given me a piece of art he'd made a while back and loved, but didn't know what to do with it. It told a story from his life that was personal and meaningful to him. He said he knew I would appreciate it. I wanted to reciprocate with something of my own, but that was was also personal and meaningful to me. He loved it.

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Submitted by Laurelmlee on April 24, 2023

1:22 min read
356

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABB CCDD EEFF GGHH IIJJ KKLL FFAA
Closest metre Iambic hexameter
Characters 1,293
Words 276
Stanzas 7
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Laurel M. Lee

When I was little, my grandfather had me believing I'd be a famous poet someday. Of course, life never turns out the way you plan, does it? Still, I do have a litle fun with it from time to time. This first contest submission of mine today is the first one I've written in several years, and I only wrote it because a friend's gift inspired me. I could never stick to the rules of the various poetry styles, but have always enjoyed the ones that rhyme. I've long been a fan of Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee" and John Masefield's "Sea Fever". Having been born in Alaska, I also love Robert Service's "Cremation of Sam McGee". I have a two teenagers and my husband and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary this year. more…

All Laurel M. Lee poems | Laurel M. Lee Books

9 fans

Discuss the poem Artist Unknown with the community...

9 Comments
  • Vixility
    Very relatable poem, and well written. Excellent job and congrats.
    LikeReply 18 months ago
    • Laurelmlee
      Thank you so much! I appreciate that!
      LikeReply8 months ago
  • AIDA
    This poem beautifully captures the frustration and longing of an artist whose ideas and creativity are locked inside their own mind. The enthusiasm and passion for creating art shine through each line, and the poem resonates with many artists who can relate to the struggle of finding time to pursue their artistic endeavors.

    The use of rhyme and rhythm adds a lyrical quality to the poem and keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The repetition of the line "So many the memorable, fun anecdote!" emphasizes the abundance of ideas and inspiration that the artist possesses.

    One suggestion for improvement would be to explore further the emotions and feelings that arise from not being able to bring these ideas to life. How does it make the artist feel to have their creativity go unnoticed? What are the specific regrets that they anticipate?

    Additionally, it would be interesting to delve into the reasons behind the artist's inability to prioritize their art. What are the obstacles that prevent them from making time for their creative pursuits? This could add depth and further resonate with readers who face similar challenges.

    Overall, this poem beautifully captures the struggle and passion of an artist, and by further exploring the emotions and obstacles, it could become even more impactful. Keep up the great work!
     
    LikeReply 18 months ago
  • Soulwriter
    I love this!
    LikeReply 110 months ago
    • Laurelmlee
      Thank you so much!
      LikeReply10 months ago
  • baways
    This was one of my favorites', I'm happy to see you placed so high.
    LikeReply 210 months ago
    • Laurelmlee
      Thank you so much! I can’t believe all the votes! It’s amazing! Thank you!
      LikeReply 110 months ago
  • jerrylogie
    I loved this, it is an excellent poem. We all can share with your lack of time, having great ideas lost to other priorities. This was well made and versed Thank you for sharing...
    LikeReply 210 months ago
    • Laurelmlee
      Wow- Thank you so much for these kind words!
      LikeReply10 months ago
  • lovingempath
    Beautifully written, with a message I think most of us can relate to. Your friend and Grandfather would be proud Laurel :).
    LikeReply 210 months ago
    • Laurelmlee
      Aww!
      LikeReply 110 months ago
    • Laurelmlee
      Aww! How sweet of you to say! Thank you!
      LikeReply 110 months ago
  • LinYoest
    This poem gives life to the thoughts of—I say—every creative mind. Perhaps it’s actually true of us all—whether we realize our creativity or not.
    LikeReply 110 months ago
    • Laurelmlee
      What a lovely thing to say. Such a compliment from a real, published poet! Thank you!
      LikeReply 210 months ago
    • LinYoest
      You are very welcome. This is a beautiful poem, and I love your interpretation for writing it.
      LikeReply10 months ago
  • Linaloo223
    I think that this poem really sums up what it means to be a writer, and not just a writer of poetry. I find that if I can’t connect with a poem then I don’t enjoy it, but I relate to this one wholeheartedly. I read through ALL the poems. This one has some amazing lines and and didn’t have any spelling errors that distracted from the story. I love it, well done. 
    LikeReply 110 months ago
    • Laurelmlee
      Thank you so much! I’m so glad other people out there can relate! I often feel like I’m wasting away when I don’t write stuff down. And I agree- I always enjoy those poems I can relate to the most. Although, I’ll admit I liked several on this site that I didn’t necessarily relate to, but we’re just so nicely written! 
      LikeReply10 months ago
    • Laurelmlee
      *Were
      LikeReply10 months ago
  • baways
    I can relate with the lack of time.
    LikeReply 110 months ago
    • Laurelmlee
      Thanks- it kind of makes ya feel guilty sometimes. Thanks for voting for my poem! Never done anything like this before.
      LikeReply10 months ago

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"Artist Unknown" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/158479/artist-unknown>.

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