CHILD OF THE WIND

Child of the wind

“You’re a child of the wind”
my art teacher once said
when he caught me
using a grid
to transfer a painting by Klee
onto a linoleum block

His words
stopped me
in my ordered tracks
and left me
pondering
what they meant

I ditched the grid
using only my eye
for the task
I never forgot
that lesson
from 7th grade

So what did he mean?
To allow
something more
than calculated will
or intellect
to guide me

To lift the act
of creation
beyond the grid
past the predictable
to allow the unexpected
to take place

To leave room
for spontaneity,
to trust
another sense,
to be moved
by Spirit

To drop all
earthly anchors
and set sail,
letting the wind
determine
the destination

There’s power
in yielding
in letting go
in not needing
to control
every step

Something greater
can forge
a better outcome
than you
could ever
imagine

One that
will surprise
even you
and be more authentic
to who
you are

So listen
to the wind
feel it
on your skin
let it be
your guide

—Joan Wolcott