“MARCUS”

I met Marcus in Chicago on May 2007. He is homeless and selling poetry on the streets to cover the costs for temporary shelter. He tells me about his illnesses and that he is glad the medication is provided for him. He is a Vietnam veteran; injured and scared for life. He lifts his shirt and shows me a series of massive scars running up and down his torso. One can see the experiences of war and poverty in his eyes. Still he is smiling. He kisses me on the cheek when I purchase his poem booklet with 10 dollars. It was a happy encounter. I’m surprised to find out that he writes very spiritual poetry, like this one the painting is based on:

...

A DESIRE TO BE STRONG

A desire to be strong, a sorrowful fear.

Falling apart, cracking up, no one can help

you out of your particular dilemma.

A finger of doubt, gross paranoia.

A thought a desire to be strong.

A flower blossom, a good feeling of

exuberance, and the manifestation

of enormous inner strength, that

comes from God.