Polk Art Museum

On the banks of Juniper Springs,
Splashing of gentle waves,
Songs of birds,
Rustle of trees,
All heard in the tucked away oasis.

Though connected to the source of life (water),
Death is still inevitable,
Among the plethora of green,
Others slowly fade away,
Slow and quiet,
As not to disturb the picturesque scene.

The reflection of life in the waves,
The buzz of insects and the sounds of spring,
create a familiar cadence,
to the tune of nature to which they march.

Cool water on my feet,
Under a shade tree I find serenity,
I close my eves and get lost in the leaves,
That rustle at the shores of Juniper Springs.



I went to the Polk Museum of Art for this assignment, and I stayed there for at least 40 minutes. Being a newbie to Lakeland I never knew that this was something that existed in this town. It is amazing how during this first semester I am able to learn about hidden nuggets of culture and literature in this our class. While I was in the museum I went into the new exhibit that they have with the Japanese Textiles, Prints, and kimonos. I thought it was pretty cool. Thinking of it now reminds me of my 8th grade year in Hawaii (I was learning elementary Japanese and also learning about the culture - including the art of rolling sushi). I also noticed the artifacts exhibits for the Ancient Arts of the Americas exhibit. I did not get to spend a lot of time there because there was a class taking a tour but what I did see seemed rather interesting.

To my recollection I have never gone to an art museum and just stood and stared at a painting. I have watched people do it on TV and in movies but it was a whole new experience, doing it personally. It made me wonder if the artist actually took and easel and paint and painted it on site or if it was painted from a picture. As I stood and looked at the painting I finally figured out how people could stand there and stare for so long. I found myself getting lost in the painting (the colors, the brush strokes, and the calmness). It was just like being there as it was painted.

There have been field trips that we have taken this semester that will probably be places I visit after this semester is long over. I just thought this trip, as well as all the others, were really enlightening.