The Noblest Virtues

Several things inspire me to write poetry. Some of the most powerful are images – paintings, photos, even a scene from everyday life or nature.
A few weeks ago, when I saw a painting by Yaw Safori, an amazing Ghanaian artist, the words came tumbling out. He has kindly allowed me to share the painting titled “Noblest Virtues” and my poem.

The Noblest Virtues
A Poem inspired by the eponymous painting by Yaw Safori

Peel back the layers,
Of color and strokes!
Beneath the layers of oils,
Pilled mindfully on canvass,
You’ll find me.

This unkind world,
Has forced a shield,
To grow around the soul,
That lets in no light,
That leaks no tears.

Yet below the hardness,
That bares its teeth,
In pointed defiance,
With steely defense,
Lies a lake.

A lake in which swims,
Love, care, and affection,
Wisdom and determination,
Truth, dignity, and purpose,
Courage and selflessness.

A lake!
Full of the noblest virtues,
Is what you’ll find
If you peel back the layers,
Around my soul.