Kindled Enthusiasm

 

 

"Run my dear,
From anything
That may not strengthen
Your precious budding wings.” 

 ― Hafiz

Last night I watched a movie entitled, The Magic of Belle Isle with Morgan Freeman whom I greatly admire.  The movie is probably a few years old, and I randomly chose it from my watch list.  Settled in, I was amazed that the story line was about a writer who had become an alcoholic.  The setting was dotted with quaint homes, endearing characters, and messages about having the strength to begin again.

In one of the scenes, Morgan Freeman encourages a ten year old girl to use her imagination as she seeks him out as a mentor for writing..  While looking down an empty street, he asks the child what she sees.  Frustrated, she says, "Nothing but an empty street!"  Then he asks her about what she doesn't see and she takes off like a rocket!  Filled with enthusiasm, she spins a tale of whimsy within minutes.  Mr. Freeman was so proud of her.  His guidance? "Write about what you do not see!"

In another scene, Freeman is comforting someone in tears, as tears fill his own eyes.  He says it is okay to cry. "I have arrived at some very interesting places by crying," he shares.  As these soft spoken words sink in, one can readily identify with the depth of the statement.

Although some may find this unfolding tale to be slow and uneventful, the messages stir the heart.  Just as the artist speaks their mind through a painting, so an author spills his emotions through words.  Any act comes alive when filled with love and passion.

As the child continues to pursue Mr. Freeman as her mentor, he becomes enchanted by her intrigue with writing.  She awakens within him a desire and confidence to write again.  His focus changes from adult fiction to magical children's stories and through the support of a new audience, he spreads his creative wings once again.

And to quote Hafiz once again, "Run my dear, from anything that may not strengthen your precious budding wings."