From the quiet country in Italy
To the hustle and bustle of Missouri,
Two men lead separate lives.
One artist. One poet. Both creative geniuses.
A black world meets a world of white,
Like the moon against the night sky.
Yet the strokes of a paintbrush flow in rhythm to the tune of a clarinet.
Fingers work vigorously,
Ten sculpting clay and ten putting magic on a page.
Dark and calloused touch white and smooth,
All four hands making miracles.
Raggedy scraps clash with white robes.
Pockets clanking, copper against silver, the other’s remain silent.
But the only cost for freedom is breaking through walls of restriction.
Bricks of racism and strict ways are hard to tear down.
But courage brought equality and artistic individualism.
The two trees bore delicious fruit that became famous among the nations.
The Mona Lisa and the Weary Blues.
Two unique styles. Both individual masterpieces.
One handful of dream-dust may be all it takes.