Courageous Vision

Poetry From the Miriam's Kitchen Art Therapy Exhibition

Last night's Live to Read event was a great success. Artists from Miriam's kitchen displayed their works and read poetry inspired by the Lynn Nottage's Ruined, and its persistent theme of courage. Below is the exhibition statement written by Kate Baasch, Miriam's Kitchen's art therapist, and a poem by James Morris.

Artwork from the exhibition.

Courageous Vision - Kate Baasch, MA Art Therapy

The Miriam's Kitchen community is proud to participate in this year's Live to Read. Our partnership with the Humanities Council of Washington, DC and the P Street Whole Foods brings our community together in unprecedented ways- and we invite you to join us. This year's literary selection, Ruined, a play by Lynn Nottage, has encouraged the artists and poets who utilize Miriam's Studio to engage in on-going explorations of what courage means thematically and practically. Through artwork and writing, the artists, writers, and staff of Miriam's Kitchen have delved into the complexities of Nottage's play. The artworks on display here can be thought of as visual records of artists' reflecting, offering, and responding to the challenge Ruined presents us all: What is courage, and what does courage mean in this play; in the torn setting of the Congo; in our own country; in our lives?

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What is Courage

James Morris

Courage, oh Courage, the dictionary says your

origin is France and Rome, Romance Languages

indeed. You began with the concept of hear or

spirit, now you have an English accent of

enduring pain and suffering, not romantic at all.

But, you are still the driving spirit of life.

Those you bless are indestructible. A soldier

touched by you finds enemies hiding in fear not

wanting to feel pain or suffer. Mediocre is not seen when you appear

Cupid, another romantic idea, makes people

embrace, such an easy affair. But when

your sword is raised and put in the hands of

your chosen, his training and more shine

bright accomplishing impossible feats.

But soldiers are not your only vehicle. Teachers,

police, firemen, politicians, social workers and

even fallen heroes that suddenly leap from

the Grim Reaper's cycle like a boxer at the

count of ten.

Many many more heroes abound in all walks

of life. Anybody who can still breathe can

suddenly feel your spirit, and even

if fallen by life's fickle choices

will come roaring back to life

and avoid the final crash.

ALL HAIL MOST honorable

Courage.

Check out more of Morris' work at http://www.poetrysoup.com .