Birth Of An Artist Poem by Jim Yerman

Is there an artist inside each of us? Of this I have no doubt.
It's just a matter of reaching down… and pulling that artist out….

"Mom…I have something to show you! " Christi said.
Her mom came right away
Christi handed her a piece of paper…"Look what I drew today! "

"Mrs. Smith said draw what we want so I drew a polar bear."
Her mom intently studied the drawing…scanning it with care.

"Oh, Christi" Her mom said smiling. "I didn't know how talented you were.
I can honestly say I've never seen a bear more beautiful than her."

"Why she's not just standing still…you have her moving too.
I love the way you've drawn her legs.
and how'd you make the water look so blue? "

"I've heard polar bears can be mean but you've made yours look nice.
and look how you used little bits of paper and made it look like ice! "

"I love the emotion in her face…why she looks hungry too
and look in the corner you signed you name just like artists do! !

"I can't believe how beautiful this is…and you were its creator."
and that picture found a cherished spot on their refrigerator.

Years went by…Christi grew up into a woman proud and tall
and visiting Mom one day she saw her picture framed upon the wall.

It immediately brought back a memory and with it a few tears
"Mom." she said, "I can't believe you've kept this all these years."

"Of course I've kept it." Mom smiled "Because I have no doubt…
the day you drew that polar bear
Is the day your artist first came out."