If Only we had Known - Inspired by the art of A.E. London

‘Patriarch’ by A.E. London

Photographed by Rita Bourland at the Columbus Art’s Festival

This is the second in my series of posts based on art I photographed at the Columbus Art’s Festival.  When I passed the booth for A.E. London, I was stunned by the beauty of her work.  I found it haunting, direct, soulful and raw.  There was something in the lion’s eyes that simultaneously mesmerized me and made me want to cry.  Anne (A.E.) let me photograph one of her pieces and I chose this one entitled ‘Patriarch’.  Please visit her website where you will learn more about her techniques (this picture includes the use of coffee), her trips to Africa, her work for endangered species and her ongoing pursuit of artistic expression.  Her website is really gorgeous.   Below you will find my poem inspired by her art.

If Only We Had Known

Anger grows

As I contemplate the fate

Of creatures who roam

Far off lands,

Never dreaming their life

Might fall to a force

Mightier than their roar,

Man broaching their land,

Seeking power over beasts

Of the earth,

Not sensing that extinction

Of one species

Might be a harbinger

Of something larger,

 Might be a sign

Of something so severe

That all powers, all prayers,

Will fail to amend the loss,

If only we had known

The dominoes would fall,

We might have stacked them

Far from the animals

Whose souls

So mirror our own,

If only we had known.

Here's a video of A.E. London at work.