Artistic License

We scorn but secretly admire those creative geniuses who
care only for their art and selfishly indulge themselves
in whatever keeps their creative juices flowing.

The musician who soars in heroin-induced improvisations.
The artist who paints nude portraits of his young mistress.
The writer who drafts crime novels from an alcoholic haze.

We fantasize about their freedom and envy their ability
to engage in wanton artistic expression that brings
artistic gratification but not happiness.