Challenge
The Monetization of Art and Poetry
Poets and Artists quite often struggle with selling their creations; whereas art dealers and fast talking money merchants are great at selling but often devoid of talent that hasn't been pilfered. Visualize a world in a story or essay that breaches this divide, and allows the cunning salesman and the bleeding heart artist who lives with integrity to coexist. I will read all entries and a winner will be chosen according by who can speak best between the lines.
Luxury
sensual strokes
of a brush
on a pale-skinned canvas,
forms taking shape
smooth curves, unblemished skin
an ideal form.
perhaps with a familiar face, or based
upon a photograph of a loved one,
a character from a show.
better not
to ask questions. instead,
paint the answers,
in the form of
swaying hips and
parted lips
pornographic portrayals,
commissioned
paid up front.
draw by request, anything
your sick little mind can dream up,
and it can be yours... for a price.
it is the lesson every artist learns,
the progression from starving to success:
sex sells.