There are so many troubling things in our world, it is hard sometimes to remain positive. As an artist, I know that everything I create exists against the backdrop of cultural strife and struggle that is in my world.

It is hard sometimes to remember that it is not all bad in our culture. Beauty and joy sometimes come to us with a whisper or other subtle communications, while ugliness and pain come with dramatic noise.

My artworks do not necessarily reflect cultural events. Yet they contribute to culture by bringing something positive into the world that counterbalances all the negative influences that prevail.

Words and musical mysticism by the musician Enya bring me some peace as I contemplate the pain that has screamed at me from the headlines this week.

And I ask myself, how can I keep from painting?

 

How Can I Keep From Singing – Enya

My life goes on in endless song

Above earth’s lamentations,

I hear the real, though far-off hymn

That hails a new creation.

 

Through all the tumult and the strife

I hear it’s music ringing,

It sounds an echo in my soul.

How can I keep from singing?

 

While though the tempest loudly roars,

I hear the truth, it liveth.

And though the darkness ’round me close,

Songs in the night it giveth.

 

No storm can shake my inmost calm,

While to that rock I’m clinging.

Since love is lord of heaven and earth

How can I keep from singing?

 

When tyrants tremble in their fear

And hear their death knell ringing,

When friends rejoice both far and near

How can I keep from singing?

 

In prison cell and dungeon vile

Our thoughts to them are winging,

When friends by shame are undefiled

How can I keep from singing?

 

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