I'm like a pencil;
sometimes sharp,
most days
well-rounded,
other times
dull or
occasionally
broken.
Still I write.
j.g. lewis
is a writer/photographer in Toronto.
Month: October 2020
Pages near blank
for the upcoming week,
nothing on the agenda;
quite unusual for me.
Nothing of consequence,
not that I can see, where I
usually have places to get to
or places to be.
I’ve got all sorts of things
I could do, and certain things
I should do, yet with
a holiday Monday and
short week ahead, there is
nothing definite planned
except getting out of bed.
Yes, there are things
I could do and places
I should see
but maybe this week
will be all about me?
10/13/2020 j.g.l.
Posted on October 12, 2020 by j.g.lewisLeave a comment
The little we know
or lesser we care
challenges
our humanity.
Always
we should be aware
of what is fair
and just and proper,
eyes cast on any scene.
Can we wonder
or wait to decide
who needs a hand?
We can care.
We can offer hope,
we can do what
we can.
We can.
Be kind.
Give thanks,
now and each day,
for the people in our lives
who give it meaning.
It is Thanksgiving
in Canada, but my
appreciation and
gratefulness knows
no boundaries.
Be good to yourself
and to others.
stay blessed
j.g.l. 10/12/2020
Posted on October 11, 2020 by j.g.lewisLeave a comment
I’m currently fascinated with the book Contrasts: In The Ward – A Book of Poetry and Paintings by Lawren Harris from the period before the emergence of The Group of Seven.
The book provides a contrast to the magnificent modernist images of the Canadian landscapes Harris was known for, with the paintings and the poetry offering a historical look at urban Toronto heading into the 1920s. The poetry was previously published in 1922 in text only.
I purchased the book at the Art Gallery of Ontario, during one of my weekly AGO visits over the summer. The gallery offered me solace in these troubling times, a break from the news of the world in these pandemic days. Often my gallery visits would begin, or end, with time studying the brilliance of The Group of Seven work contained in the permanent collection. Each week the art of a different group artist would resonate with me, but most often it was that of Lawren Harris.
As I walk through downtown, and into sections of Toronto previously known as ‘the Ward’, Harris’ world comes to life though his words as much as his artwork. It is breathtaking, the poetry going deeper into the artist’s societal observations.
Wandering through downtown, I would stop and picture what was then versus what is now; what remains and what has been changed.
I keep a notebook with me to write my own reflections on a city I am only coming to know. This book is very much a guided journey through my new hometown with narration provided by Harris; he walked the same streets of the same city.
10/11/2020 j.g.l.
