Sunday, May 12, 2013

A Special Mother's Day

Watercolor on 8" x 10" Daler-Rowney Langton Prestige NOT paper
Beneath the Bamboo with Dragonflies (Click to Enlarge)


Motherhood.  The word often brings to mind the comfort, joy and security of our own mothers.  And this is wonderful.  But it is more than that.

There are mothers that must face the loss of a child.  This is a loss that does not end.  There are mothers that must cope on a daily basis with extraordinary physical, mental, or behavioral needs of their child.

In both instances, there is a loss of expectations, of hopes and of dreams, but still these moms persevere and provide as they can.

This post is for them, and for my wife, among them, on Mother's Day.

So for you special mothers, for all of you, is a poem. And I hope you'll forgive me, but it was written by a man.  It is not peaceful, not even optimistic really, but defiant.  Because you must think of yourself too.

And whether or not you are a mother, or a parent, you must cope with life's challenges, and this poem can be for you too.



the laughing heart
by Charles Bukowski

your life is your life.
don't let it be clubbed into dank
submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out.
there is light somewhere.
it may not be much light but
it beats the
darkness.
be on the watch.
the gods will offer you
chances.
know them, take them.
you can't beat death but
you can beat death
in life,
sometimes.
and the more often you
learn to do it,
the more light there will
be.
your life is your life.
know it while you have
it.
you are marvelous
the gods wait to delight
in
you.


[Note:  I painted this watercolor at Fairchild Tropical Gardens, as a gift for my wife on Mother's Day.  She loves bamboo and dragonflies, as well she should.   Happy Mother's Day!]

37 comments:

  1. A truly great post, Dan. Beautifully painted and beautifully written.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Some mothers find strength to do more. Wonderful poem--art has always been my way out.

    Your painting is beautiful and painting it for your wife makes you beautiful, Dan.

    I agree with John--a truly great post.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great painting Dan. Some subtle things going on in there. Beautiful colours too!
    Our Mother's Day (England) was a while back now :-)

    Stew.
    http://stewcrowther.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And subtle ain't usually my thing - I tried some soft stuff here. Thanks!

      Delete
  4. Happy Mother's Day to your wife Dan. She is a remarkable woman- one all mother's can look up to.
    Your painting for her is lovely. Thank you for sharing the poem- it is truly beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Pamo, for wishing my wife a happy mother's day, and for your wonderful comment.

      Delete
  5. Beautiful post Dan and lovely painting (I like how its so relaxing with the soft colours), beautiful gift for your wife. Wishing her the very best Mother's Day and lovely time for all of you together.

    PS, Good to see you back painting & posting again : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I wanted to wish you one too, but had no time to e-mail!! It's good to be back!

      Delete
  6. Sometimes we have to wait awhile for a Dan-post....but, it is always worth the wait. Beautiful thoughts and poem and love the Mother's Day painting! I'm sure Mrs. Dan loves it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Celeste - Dan and Mrs. Dan both loved this comment! Thanks Celeste - and for your encouragement, tapping fingers, to get me back!

      Delete
  7. Beautiful painting and perfect for the occasion.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dear Dan, thank u for a beautiful drawing and the touchy poem. You bravely face the very difficult and painful theme. (*We studied "loss" in counseling psychology at uni. But its pain is far beyond the study.) Keep up. If you can, put your pains and agony into your paintings -- in my eyes, your work will sublimate them into beautiful work. It's important that writing, drawing, whatever, you do express your emotions = outlet them. Take care. Please pass my best wishes to your wife.
    Warm regards, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Sadami for the wonderful comment. And for your advice, which is always good. And for the best wishes for my wife.

      Delete
  9. Great poem, great painting, great post - as someone said, it's always worth waiting for a Dan post.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lovely painting, powerful poem. Good to see you back at EDM.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Perfect poem for living life fully and a lovely gift

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, isn't that poem something? I read it before and was touched by it, and then found it again when I really needed it, and it helped a lot. Thanks!

      Delete
  12. What a beautiful tribute Dan... T___T *sob sob*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, Alex, you are so sensitive!! Here's a Kleenex. Now pull yourself together man!

      Delete
  13. Thanks for that, Dan. Art is my way of fighting back, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, ma'am! It's been my shield and sword. What would we do without art?!

      Delete
  14. I am speechless. Utterly. And blushing. I hope it's true. Thank you for the wishes for her. And thank you for your remarkable comment.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks so much everyone for you wonderfully kind and touching comments. And for visiting after my prolonged absence. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow Dan! What a delightful, wonderfully done painting! It's perfect! Thank you for sharing the poem and your thoughts on Motherhood. Like Celeste said, your posts are worth the wait. My regards to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  18. To get rid of Anonymous go to comment settings and check the box.

    This is an absolutely lovely painting Dan. Your light, experienced hand is to be marveled. Your wife must have loved it; I do.

    ReplyDelete
  19. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  20. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful painting Dan. Thank you for your kind words about my mum.

    ReplyDelete
  23. So Beautiful Dan, sorry I haven't visited for a while

    ReplyDelete