SONNET XCV - THE ARTIST

Look at the world and tell me what you see
I don't care that it's ugly if it's true
It's not this awful world that interests me
But how it looks from other points of view
Peace is a gift for those who've never seen
The suffering that hurting souls endure
This life is hard, it's cruel, and it's mean
But in the truth, at least your soul is pure
I know it hurts, but show me how you feel
Look at the pain and turn it into art
Pick up a pen or brush and make it real
and show me all the beauty in your heart
   Then in this world as cold and dead as stone
   You've shown me that my soul is not alone