Box Car Art
Some will call it Graffiti
It is, though this I rename
Box Car Art's my name for it
I often sit and wonder
I wonder who painted this
Who took the pains to express
Express his feelings that day
On canvas of rusting green
Tip of the hat he'll include
Disguise his feelings that day
Gang member full of pride, tough
Mark territory, stake claim?
Down, depressed, hot, hungry, wet,
Wet by sweat, rain, snow, duno
Someone's son, husband could be
Father maybe, June is bad
He'll ride that box car tonight
Painted pretty by his hands
Another and another
Grim rounds. Box Car Art for us
[click on pictures to enlarge, one or two times]
Photos and Poem Copyright© 2015 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved
Today I am linked with Ella
, both for Day 9 of National Poem Writing Month
This is absolutely amazing. There are many forms of art but Graffiti is often not given its due share of importance. People often leave their traces in wet cement or concrete.
ReplyDeleteThe poem expressed beautiful sentiments with use of vivid imagery that actually made me forget my surroundings for a few seconds :)
Loved it!
Nice choice, Jim. I've seen that boxcar art, too and wondered but not quite with the depth you have. Next time, I will though.
ReplyDeletei know what you mean especially since you didnt see it being done, i ask myself the same questions when i stare at " graffiti"
ReplyDeletehave a creative month
much love...
I think Graffiti art has it place, when something has been time lost and abandoned~
ReplyDeleteThe colors so vibrant-they also cheer me up!
I like that you picked this art form...it is expressive on so many layers of emotion~
As art should be :D
Yes, it is a form of art and I appreciate it, but it does irk me as it is also vandalism, so I'm torn. Not torn about your writing, though. It is excellent.
ReplyDeleteI love graffiti art! (The best of it, anyway.) And I love the story you have made about these examples.
ReplyDeleteI love it when artists try to pretty up things that are usually only utilitarian - in our town some have painted on garbage bins on the sidewalk - so welcome.
ReplyDeleteI will tell you, Jim .. trains have always held a fascination for me. The sound of a whistle, the wheels rumbling on the tracks and yes the box car art! Love this.
ReplyDeleteThe art of rails. You wonder how far it travels and how many eyes view it. Beautiful piece.
ReplyDeleteI like what you did here, Jim, an homage to 'street' - or rail in this case - art ~
ReplyDeleteYou have given us a very interesting view of both art and artist here, Jim. I read an article recently about the subculture of young runaways and dropouts who still ride boxcars in the States. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting and really compassionate poem, Jim. In New York City, we've gone through so much graffiti and there were times when all the subway cars were absolutely covered--I think they now have a special surface that won't take that kind of paint or marker. It was in some ways expressive and bright, others just (maybe) vandalism? I don't know. I always found the pictures more interesting than the "tagging" --the initialing but the tagging seemed important for some-- actually some graffiti artists became very famous--this guy Samo--whose real name was Jean-Michel Basquiat--you may know him--I don't know--he was probably more famous in NY.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you give a very thoughtful take on the whole thing, that has a very kindly tone--so much enjoyed. Thanks also for your kind comments at my place. k. (Manicddaily)
Nicely renamed and queried. This is my favorite:
ReplyDelete"Gang member full of pride, tough
Mark territory, stake claim?"
Ah, Jim, thanks for reminding us that art is not just in art museums.
ReplyDelete