Almost
You’re painting a picture,
and it’s never as good
as you want it to be.
You’re telling a story,
and the hero’s always
fighting something he can’t see.
Seems always to be something
in the way of “happy.”
Almost.
Almost happy
is not as happy
as completely happy.
And because of this
you’re barely happy.
Barely
is a word
you know so little about.
And it feels like whining
once you figure it out.
So you say you’re almost happy,
but you act like it’s the unhappiest place to be.
And you say you’re not creative.
But from the story that you’re painting,
I disagree.
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The Almost of Creation
In the realm of creation, there exists a peculiar dance between aspiration and realization. It is a delicate waltz where the artist strives to capture the vivid hues of their imagination on the canvas of reality, only to find that the colors are just slightly off, the strokes not as fluid as envisioned. It is in this space of “almost” that creativity thrives.
The Imperfect Canvas
Every stroke of the brush, every word on the page, is an attempt to bridge the gap between the mind’s eye and the tangible world. Yet, the artist is acutely aware that perfection is an elusive muse. The canvas remains imperfect, the story not quite complete, and the pursuit of the ideal continues.
The Hero’s Journey
Within the narrative of creation, the hero embarks on a journey, not always to conquer external foes, but often to confront the intangible adversaries within. The battle against doubt, self-critique, and the unseen specter of “not good enough” becomes the hero’s quest. It is a struggle that mirrors the artist’s own inner conflict.
Almost Happy
“Almost happy” is a peculiar state of being. It is a paradoxical emotion where one stands on the precipice of contentment, yet the chasm of “completely happy” looms just beyond reach. It is a feeling of both satisfaction and yearning, a sentiment known to those who dare to dream and create.
Barely
“Barely” is a word that artists often encounter on their creative journeys. It is a word that signifies the fine line between success and failure, between brilliance and mediocrity. It is a word that carries the weight of self-doubt but also the promise of growth and improvement.
A Disagreement with Self-Doubt
The artist, despite the hesitations and self-critiques, ultimately disagrees with the notion of not being creative. Creation itself is a testament to creativity. The act of painting, storytelling, or any form of artistic expression is an affirmation of the human capacity to imagine, to strive, and to evolve.
Embracing “Almost”
“Almost” is not a place of despair; it is a stage of growth. It is the cocoon before the butterfly emerges, the sketch before the masterpiece is unveiled. In the world of creation, “almost” is where the magic happens. It is where the artist hones their skills, refines their vision, and inches closer to the elusive “completely.”
So, embrace the “almost.” Embrace the imperfections, the doubts, and the struggles. They are the stepping stones on the path to “completely.” They are the colors and strokes that shape the masterpiece in progress.
Summary
The poem explores the concept of “almost” in the realm of creativity. It highlights the tension between aspiration and realization, the imperfection of the creative canvas, and the hero’s journey of self-doubt. “Almost happy” is described as a paradoxical state of both satisfaction and yearning. The word “barely” signifies the fine line between success and failure. Ultimately, the poem affirms the creativity inherent in the act of creation and the importance of embracing the “almost” as a stage of growth.
Glossarium
- The Almost of Creation: The space between aspiration and realization in the creative process.
- The Imperfect Canvas: The acknowledgment that perfection is elusive in creative endeavors.
- The Hero’s Journey: The artist’s inner battle against doubt and self-critique.
- Almost Happy: A state of both satisfaction and yearning in the creative process.
- Barely: The fine line between success and failure in creativity.
- A Disagreement with Self-Doubt: The artist’s affirmation of their creativity despite doubts.
- Embracing “Almost”: Recognizing the value of imperfection and growth in creativity.
“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse
Have you ever experienced the feeling of being “almost” satisfied with your creative work? How do you navigate the space between aspiration and realization in your creative endeavors? Share your thoughts and experiences.
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