Like life, creativity finds a way. In fact, we are not unique in surviving a pandemic. The poet and playwright William Shakespeare offers an example of how creative work continues in the darkest of times—whether it is the 1590s or 2020s. English professor Travis D. Williams, says, “The word ‘poet’ comes from the Greek ‘to make.’ Shakespeare used language and thought to make a path for himself through the miseries of the plague and the resulting economic depression. Creating and making during lockdowns are nothing new. What is new is this: most of us haven’t experienced it before.
Our desire to move on from difficult times is strong. For example, we forget AIDS is still an epidemic. It’s likely we will, in our lifetimes, collectively experience more of this kind of weariness. However, we continue to make things, write poems, and sing songs. I recall many years of directing Christmas services and shows. I will sing again this year, which in a small way proves to me that life and art find a way.
I wrote a bit about my years directing music for a magazine here. “Christmas Eve Means Ice Cream Sundaes for Dinner.”
During the pandemic, I missed out on many professional networking opportunities. My music group’s last house show was back in February 2020. But, I completed a master’s degree and a book manuscript and co-written some of the best songs yet to be heard by the world. Like Shakespeare, thoughts of commercial viability are on the mind. But what does a public book signing look like during a pandemic surge? Well, I’m hoping, like the rest of you, I will soon hand-deliver signed books, re-book house shows, and network over cappuccinos like never before. But, for now, we still make. We write, sing, and connect online when we must.
On that note, I’d love to hear from you. I want to hear about what you’re making and how I can help you! There has never been a time where small things matter so much. Please, #keepcreating!
Merry Christmas and Blessings!
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