With universal problems engulfing
us, I often feel discouraged, and the mood drifts through my pen possibly
discouraging others as well. I apologize
for that attitude. We all have bad days. As I think about the beautiful day
outside my window this morning, I’m awed at how clean and green the real world
can be. Since writing is my passion, my thoughts are destined to slip though my
pen and betray my character, emotion, and faith. And in that same vein, I wish to share a bit
of frivolous philosophy, and at the same time, ask if others have similar
views.
Included in a book of poetry recently published, Rambling In Rhyme, is a poem written earlier in my life
entitled, It’s Only Make Believe. In
reviewing and editing the poem, I realized I may have more than one citizenship
in this world, probably three. I’m first and foremost a citizen of the Kingdom
of God, doing my best to serve Him faithfully; secondly, I’m a citizen of the
USA, born into that relationship by reason of geography, a fact that I’m
forever grateful to have enjoyed for more than eight decades. However, as a writer, I find myself to be a
citizen of another nation, one shared by all creative minds whether it’s the
written word, artist’s palette, the musician, or any one of dozens of creative
ventures found among us – that of Imagi-Nation.
I have vivid memories from early
childhood of visiting this place, and I recall friendships that lasted for long
periods, perhaps disappearing only as I grew to a different level of
maturity. Traveling to Imagi-Nation is
the shortest, least costly trip you will ever take. You won’t need a ticket, new wardrobe, or a
companion for this trip. Just close your
eyes, climb on a train, plane, or ship to any destination you choose. Even a spaceship to the unknown. You can stay five minutes or five hours –
time is not measured or used in Imagi-Nation.
It simply exists along with all the other trimmings. You can live in a mansion with lovely décor,
shop in the finest, most elegant stores – and it’s free. Wear the most delightful gowns with fine gems
– the most elegant you can conjure up in your mind. You bask in perfect
relationships without dispute – unless you want to argue and fight – and, of
course, you can always win.
In Imagi-Nation,
you are perfect, happy, and in charge of everything. You can go there
instantly, and interrupt the visit for a moment of reality, if you must, or you
can just stay as long as your real life will allow. You can visit Imagi-Nation no matter where you
are in real life, the doctor’s office waiting room, middle of the night when
you can’t sleep, at a boring business meeting or seminar, or simply relaxing in
the back yard swing on a lovely afternoon.
You can be the perfect picture of health, the most beautiful person in the room, the smartest scholar in the
board room, the pilot of an airplane, an astronaut on the way to Mars, a nurse
or brain surgeon, the possibilities are limitless in Imagi-Nation. You can even
be the President of the United States – although that is one place I never
thought I would want to live – have thought of being a princess in a royal
family, however. The only qualification
for being a citizen of Imagi-Nation is the ability to close your eyes and dream
– like a movie rolling past your mind.
You can stop the film and return anytime.
All writers must be citizens of
Imagi-Nation. It’s the place where ideas
are born, where music is created, and artists find inspiration. It’s the place
where the sick can find health, the grieved can find comfort, the depressed
will find peace, the lonely will find companionship, the elderly will find
youth, and the young will find motivation and inspiration. Close your eyes, smell the scent of a lovely
rose garden, relax, and enjoy a visit to Imagi-Nation.
No comments:
Post a Comment