i haven't made much lately
my words come slowly
my canvases are blank
whoever said pain creates art
i think they were wrong
or their timing was off
pain is experience
and experience is time
and time and experience come together
to make work
Van Gogh's most productive year
was when he was being treated
so maybe there's something to be said
about art and joy
but, my words feel hollow
and the colors just don't blend the right way
my heartbeat does not flow
with these verses
i've learned something this time
though my words feel hollow
and my paintbrushes are dry
i will fight using these
hollow words
until they feel
whole again
About the Creator
River Joy
I make things with paint and words and light. I was once described as an asshole with Mr. Rogers vibes.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Comments (23)
I've been feeling this so much lately. What an honest piece, thank you for sharing in such a beautiful way. Congratulations on Top Story :)
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK BEAUTIFUL 💜
We all experience this kind of a phase in life, in fact, I was too going through it. But somehow, I got out of it. I know you will too, just have faith and keep going! Thanks a lot for writing this heartfelt poem!
Could not relate more to this right now, River. Thank you, as always, for your beautiful art (and heart). 🖤
This is so relatable. Some days my pain inspires, but most times I’m knocked flat. You’ve expressed this with wonderful imagery. I especially love the ‘dry paintbrushes’. Thanks for sharing, River 💕🙂
Deep and a very growth relationship with pain ... Congrats on TS
Spectacular work, thank you for sharing!
Well deserved Top Story🎉💖✨📝Congratulations and Thanks for Writing this❗
Well done. I believe your poem has touched many people as it has touched me.Just very well done!! Congrats on your Top Story.
Wonderful poem, River. Congratulations on Top Story!
I really love this whole piece. These particular lines struck a chord with me. "pain is experience / and experience is time / and time and experience come together / to make work" , "but, my words feel hollow / and the colors just don't blend the right way / my heartbeat does not flow / with these verses." I really just love this whole piece, i'm stopping myself from quoting more.
This so beautiful and so relateable. <3
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I can totally relate right now, and I really love your comparison to dry paintbrushes. I felt that! You did a wonderful job with this one! Congrats on top story!
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I agree with you, River. You can’t rush art when ( like you said) your heart doesn’t flow with these verses. Just knowing that proves you know the difference between being connected to the source and not being connected. This was so relatable. Thank you for putting it into words. And congrats! 💖
Congrats on the TS
I read this a couple of days ago and meant to write a comment. Guess what, here's my comment. Congrats on the Top Story, River. This is so relatable. Keep going though, and this poem will be helpful to you and many others!
Oh, I felt this deeply ❤️ Your words are so powerful here, even if you don't feel like they are! Sending you hugs ❤️❤️❤️ Amazing job with this!
This is so relatable. They will definitely feel whole again. You are a true artist. Sometimes we all just need a break even from the things we love to see them with fresh eyes/perspective.
Nicely done. Keep up the good fight.
Very relatable, and beautifully expressed. Love the video.
Art and joy ❤️ reminds me of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Thanks for these words