Today an artist I follow was expressing some doubts about pleasing their audience and trying to figure out what was liked. The artist posted something very simple in their exasperation but it was profound in it’s impact. It reminded me to thank you for your expression. Even though I wrote the following response to one person, it applies universally to all of us. When you are tempted to value the appeal or impact of your talent by the number of likes you get, remember the following:
…you are correct, trying to work out what we like , “that way madness surely does lie 🖤🔥😉” …what we like is unpredictable to some degree and ever changing and just because we don’t take a moment to like or comment on a post doesn’t mean we don’t “❤️” it…
I’m guilty of scrolling without liking, however your posts often grab my attention as I pause to enjoy them even though expression of my enjoyment is not often noted with a gesture. This post grabbed my attention and elicited a response.
You don’t need me (or us)
To remind you
That your
Creative expression
Only has to appeal
To you
Only has to fill a need
In you
Only has to be heard
Or seen
By you
In order to impact us
Forgive those of us
Who silently gain inspiration
From you
Your work
Your creativity
Your posts
Without expressing
That we are gaining
This inspiration from you
We are here
Cheering you on
Knowing that
Your allowing us
To be part of your journey
Is a blessing
Thank you
Regardless of who likes
Or does not like something
Keep moving forward
On your path
The impact of your steps
Vibrate wider than is visible
And ultimately you
May never know
Their full impact
Always remember
To do what you like
Because the truth is
Trying to work out
What we like
“that way madness
surely does lie 🖤🔥😉”
❤️E.A. Fussell
9.23.2020
E. A. Fussell 