Artists Can't Die

It is raining now as it was then
the pitter-patter on the roof
will it never end
today is a rebirth of the man he was
to leave the past, let a new life begin

All had planned so much for this day
when a devil wished for him to fail and go away
the demons couldn’t destroy him from within
this was his chance to prove at last
he alone could succeed and win

Satan’s darkness conspired for him to be defeated
to destroy his dream and the world he created
the battles were won but the war still lingered
he fought to survive and not succumb to suicide
the time had finally come for him to shine

An easy life was never his to choose but
the devil made sure he was raped and abused
to see him addicted to drugs and booze
he was a warrior to fight what Hades unleashed
to escape from that hell and finally be free

He hadn’t created a collection in over a year
he spent his time wallowing in meth and beer
fed uppers and downers to control his moods
gossip and rumors were spread about the town
the devil wanted him dead and gone

Deep down he had the confidence to succeed
no need for drugs that a rapist would seed
to believe in himself and refute all the lies
he had proven his strength more than a thousand times
he walked away from the abuse and his will to die

The creativity lived and blossomed behind his eyes
a ninja with a sketchbook and an endless drive
cutting and draping to see a mannequin come alive
a master chef in his own right, the workroom his kitchen
with utensils being scissors, pins, and a utility knife

And on this day the bells of freedom rang
guests applauded and they cheered and sang
a star whose flame was burning out
was reignited when the rain had ceased
and the sun came about
and in the end, all will see
the success this brilliant designer would achieve

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About the Author
John Ganshaw

After 31 years in banking, John (he/him) retired to follow his dream of owning a hotel in Southeast Asia. This led to many new experiences enabling John to see the world through a different lens, leading him to write his story through essays, poetry, and a yet unpublished memoir. John’s work has appeared in Native Skin, Runamok Books/Growerly, Post Roe Alternatives, Fleas on the Dog, OMQ, Disabled Tales, Unlikely Stories, and many others.

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