Sketches in the sky
People were trying to tell him he was a genius.
As he crouched on the sidewalk, chalk in his hand,
Tracing scenes of the city in colors so deep,
They made the ground seem like stars and sand.
Each line expressed a world of its own,
People gathered around, and whispered, “ He’s incredible—look!”
every building in shade, each window aglow.
It was nothing special for him he’d just smile, as his head lightly shook.
He was just Sam, he would always say,
Shrugging off praise as he packed up his kit.
The crowd would come and drift away,
But his colors remained where the sunlight hit.
Each morning, the sidewalk held memories bright,
Of worlds he’d created, in color and light.
He never believed in their talk but was always polite.
He brushed off his creativity, leaving colors behind as he slipped into the night.
November 22, 2024 at 8:31 am
I really enjoyed this poem, the connection of his art throughout the poem. The different mediums of art, especially the last line because it reflects this idea.
November 22, 2024 at 8:39 am
This is a very good story. I love the use of rhyming, and the artist’s humility is a stark contrast to the arrogance, obliviousness, or insecurity in the other responses to this prompt.
November 22, 2024 at 12:09 pm
I like the way you add “He was just Sam” it made him feel like a normal person but other people don’t think that he is normal.
November 22, 2024 at 12:15 pm
As someone who loves to draw and create, this poem rings true for me as I’m sure it does with other artists. So many talented people create what may seem to you a masterpiece but something not even worth being noticed to the creator. I feel that way about things I make a lot of the time, even when there are people around me who think what I make is wonderful. This is a really good and well-crafted poem!
November 22, 2024 at 12:52 pm
I love how you personified the sidewalk of holding memories and developed the vibrant imagery of his artwork along with his impact on others. This is very well written!