Through the Eyes of an Artist

(inspired by the art of Igor Morski)

In the prophetic
vision of the artist,
we run in circles
in the universe
of simulacra
and mechanical
devices, screws,
nuts and bolts,
wheels and gears,
riding on the boulder
and the shoulders
of Sisyphus
in the futile
attempt to reach
the top of the hill--

In this universe
where we are
puppets, guided
by our tiny puppeteers,
who direct our actions
and perceptions,
where night
and day are
interchangeable
stage sets,
where we are
trapped by time
and money, wearing
myriad masks
with nothing
underneath--

In this universe
where boys and girls
are trapped in
unattainable
sex roles,
where ugly domiciles
are piled upon each
other at random,
and monasteries
are replaced
by skyscrapers--

In this universe,
where a small group
of industry moguls
would rather see
the Earth burn
if they can make
a profit,
where brainwashing
is as commonplace
as the lack of
drinking water,
where a writer's
pen is condemned
and put to death
by an axe
of a censor--

In this universe,
where wisdom
is a caged owl
inside an old
man's head,
where the crushing
weight of gold,
red tape and
bureaucracy
prevent angels
from flying--

In this universe,
where music,
knowledge,
and the truth
can still
set you
free.


   July 30, 2023
--Alexander Shaumyan