"As the petals of a vibrant flower begin to fade

So the passage of time demonstrates its ability to

Change our perception of the world around us,

Perhaps making one feel past their prime.

No longer a bud ready to burst open,

Setting the power of youth to

Run wild, run free.

You may think nature scoffs at the late bloomer,

The shrinking violet, the silent wallflower.

But seasons flow, adrift in the jet stream of time.

I see as much beauty in the breakdown,

As when we welcome the fresh and new.

The rich vein of inspiration runs deep.

A trove beyond compare.

Art is the Renegade,

The continuum from moment to moment,

Century to century and beyond.

Imagination lifts us. Creativity propels us.

As we live individually in the presence of history,

The expression of artistry buoys us all. - Eve Steccati