When Art Meets Poetry: With Open Arms

Every once in a while, something happens that reminds me why I create. Recently, a wonderful person, Susan Conklin, shared a poem she wrote in response to my painting With Open Arms.

Her words touched me deeply. She put into poetry what I carry in my heart when I paint—and what I hope others feel through my art. Her words were a moving reminder that my message of hope, belonging, and peace is being received.

It’s such a gift to see how a painting can spark a connection that goes beyond the canvas, into words, feelings, and shared understanding.

 

I’m honored to share her beautiful poem with you here:

 

with opened arms we breath in life-giving air in gratitude.

We embrace creatures in the wild 

living as only they can, no quest for happiness

no desire beyond the pursuit of survival.

We thank the four winds and the spirits inhabiting north, south, east and west.

We close our eyes and imagine a world of peace, of love, of generosity of heart.

We look to the mountains for their ages of steadfast existence

we humble ourselves to life, letting go of ego, possessiveness and desire

we shine as much light as we can on our spot of the planet we call home

and we honor our earth for water, air, and sustenance

we seek not happiness, as fleeting as holding a cloud

instead we find peace in tiny moments, in the here and now and tuck the peace

away for days we think it does not exist.  

then we open the pouch, take out a bit of peace and hold it dear, knowing it is always there

for us to call on in the darkest hour or the strongest storm.

a peace knowing we are here as temporary as the shell flower that lasts just one day, but oh what a day, what a glorious day.

- Susan Conklin

Art is at its most powerful when it opens space for connection, reflection, and wonder.

Thank you, Susan, for giving With Open Arms another voice through your poetry.

To view the painting With Open Arms, please visit: https://www.mariekemertz.com/products/with-open-arms