"Floating"
By Unicia R. Buster
Acrylic painting on stretched canvas
36"w x 36"h
This painting is inspired by a poem I wrote in May of 2020 of the same name. It is about the push and pull of struggle that, if we live long enough, we all experience. Written during a time in our nation when issues of racism and its resulting deaths were at the forefront of media, I thought of all the times I faced racism in my life and how I struggled with constant feelings of inadequacies for making a difference. For me personally, my struggles also are very physical in dealing with not only an aging body but a body that has ailments of which I have no control. It's easy to get lost in despair and depression when faced with the fragility of mortality - a theme I ponder often. But it's how we overcome these emotions and rise to the surface and light that keeps us moving forward with life.
"Floating" by Unicia R. Buster
Sometimes I'm sinking
And going under
To that abysmal place,
Where light is far yonder.
Lost and lonely I see
Comfortless wonder.
It slips a purgatory kiss so
Expiation lasts longer.
Forgiveness is my struggle
Of myself, no other.
I'm left floating in this
Nothingness, yet I ponder.
My mind contemplates on
A life thrown asunder.
The good and the bad
Searches for peace hereafter.
My soul wrestles my face
Somewhat like thunder.
It strikes sporadically
At my self and my hunger
For inclusion and exclusion,
The difference made clearer.
It diminishes me to a speck;
This cosmic force that is greater.
The weight is lifting me
Up from the blue, closer
To an illuminated surface
Where my heart races faster.
I give the deep a goodbye
Let it scream from the gutter.
It holds me no more
I greet the day to ever.