Kiss the Frog So It Can Fly
by Tammy Vitale
Everything begins like this:
energy meets potential; o-
vals like surprised mouths open
then close. In the clean blue, things live
above and below the moon-fire
surface, some transforming from one
shape to another with no more
thought than moth and flame give each to
each. Every tadpole knows how
life moves always towards itself
like a bright sun’s shadow, docile
but aware of latent power
in red skies, black stars, glittering
wings hovering above the sweet
scent of new blooming hyacinths.
*****
The making and the firing is sometimes the end, but sometimes just the beginning.
When I unloaded the kiln I thought of this poem. It is dated 11/23/98. Time flies.
Kiln openings are birthdays (not for me, for the art), holidays (for me), adventure (one just never knows what the kiln imps will allow).
When glazing I broke 5 things – 3 tossed and 2 fired and I will glue them and keep them for myself or make them look like it was all planned (that’s art). I can tell you that working this thin in clay requires a light hand (not my norm). Now to see how much tugging it will take – mostly the focals will be done in 22 or 24 guage wire so they should be fine. I’d actually like to do them in sterling silver, but am afraid that would price them up too much.
That’s it for today. Recovering from a most excellent Black Crowes show last night (alas, She Talks to Angels was played Saturday night not last night. Still, I danced as if no one was watching)(in my one foot square corner space by the back bar).
Wylde Women’s Wisdom
(okay – another poem. You’d think it was poetry Saturday).
Declaration
Listen
the hearthlog has split at last
yellow orange flame licking clean
the splinters
Hear it singing
I tell you I am no different
What was fused
has separated and I have opened
to the place where all comes apart
laughing.
Tammy Vitale
(seemed appropriate given the head space I’m in right now. More on that tomorrow).
5 Comments
…And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your kiln work and your words. Maybe we should collaborate sometime.
Paula: That line so speaks to me of art and community based organizing (my other profession).
They are so different and so alike!
Saw your work in Patti Digh’s latest book – very cool!
In love with the “energy meets potential” line. Going to scribble that one all over the place. 🙂
Judy: Yes – one must enjoy the splitting open where the old is burned off and there is only joy.
The Buddhists say no different than pain in that it all passes. Still, to note the joy and dwell in it
while it’s here is magical!
Hitting the LIKE button on it all. YET, especially the second poem. It speaks to where I am right now. A wonderful opening and reawakening.