Pay special attention to the summarizing at the end of the recording, how the leader (drummer) sums up the experience. That, I think, is the essence of artistry.

Poetry does the same. But one must seriously take into consideration the skills and discipline necessary in writing poetry, in painting graphic art, in creating music.

I do not claim to be a good poet, much less a great poet. But as I continue to write and experiment with forms, my hope is to become better and better.

Another point to consider: we have a relationship with an audience. It isn’t just about spouting what makes us feel good or what seems to be therapeutic to us (not denying that writing can be great therapy)--it’s about taking into consideration our audience. I don’t want to waste their time. I don’t want to waste the time of future audiences--so I want my work to progress and become better so that the work will resonate with future audiences and generations. Not to suggest that I “write for prosperity”--I have to write in the moment. I have to write in my context. The only way to write for future generations is to write well within my context.