Poetry for Pandemic Paralysis-2

"Poetry in Pandemic Darkness," 7 x 9 watercolor, 140 lb Fabriano Artistico extra white cold press paper

"And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." 
     --John 1:5, New Living translation. Others use "comprehend," or "overcome," adding  meaning.
Reading poetry, listening to poetry reading, listening to music, playing music, painting, viewing art, working in glass, reading and writing literature, sculpting...the kaleidoscopes of art shine the light of humanity into the world. 
In  these dark days of pandemics of virus, racism and political chaos, they're needed more than ever...salve for the soul, beacons of hope and beauty amid all the ugliness and tragedy.
It's no wonder tyrants and sociopaths and politicians try to squelch or defeat art--art is an expression of freedom, and of humanity.
These were my thoughts as I read some friends poetry, listened to another's poetry reading sessions, and even before that, when I determined to pick up paint brushes and try to create paintings with bright colors to tell stories of hope and life.
And Bradbury's comment also spurred my ideas:
“Read poetry every day of your life. Poetry is good because it flexes muscles you don't use often enough. Poetry expands the senses and keeps them in prime condition. It keeps you aware of your nose, your eye, your ear, your tongue, your hand.

     --Ray Bradbury, Zen and the Art of Writing
Thinking of the arts  inspired today's abstract watercolor--Poetry in Pandemic Darkness.