it is the poets
the painters
the songwriters 
who are unafraid of sadness
art exists under the brokenness
of fallen dreams
beauty is found in imperfection

artists live inside melancholy
and appreciate tenderness
which is perceived by others
as weakness
but it is a mighty strength
to find grace in grief
and to create exquisite works out of discomfort

poets speak words to the hurting
painters hang their works on public walls
songwriters send music into anxious ears

to connect with those who feel alone
to spark an ember of light in a darkened heart
to lift up and hold those who want to hide

read the poetry
study the paintings
listen to the songs
as artists bravely dig into sorrow
and speak a universal language 
of hope and truth
take off the mask of perfection
and heal