The Artist
There is a certain kind of woman
who comes onstage to sing
or play.
She is not wearing a fancy dress
or high heeled shoes.
She is a bit awkward
in her walk.
She does not have high
cheekbones,
and her hair needs a trim up.
Maybe she is not even
wearing makeup.
Probably she needs
to lose a few pounds.
But when she begins to play
(or sing)
everyone suddenly wakes up.
She is clearly special,
someone with a gift.
Obviously she has spent
countless hours
perfecting her art.
Her delivery is flawless.
But something more than technique
is involved here,
some kind of mystery or puzzle of accomplishment.
Now all we can do
is listen in rapture,
wondering how so much
talent can be packaged
into such an unlikely
container.
She is chosen.
Dorothy Walters
September 7, 2017