written for Nicola Burns
As I turn my head to the left in my office, there is a poem in my eyeline written by Nicola. I have it because it represents the first time in my entire life that someone has written a poem inspired by a photograph of mine (see below).
Sometimes, we need to be surprised as creatives. Nicola’s poem continues to be an important marker, and a reminder that sometimes it isn’t about what has been planned or thought out, but what happens out of our control. How do people see my work?
This poem is the original response I had to this picture, which is now my response to Nicola’s generosity, in providing me with the realisation that all I can ever show is my own perception of the World around me. Everything else is up to other people.
is This…?
the film that was exposed is old and fragile
the holes let you wind it through
the cameras were only boxes
the history was always true
and as the light transposes thought
onto the object of this fresh relief
everything becomes a backcloth
blurry moments of belief
as the sun is going down
the art is here exposed
as my heart breaks
are these words enough
is this the sign
that in sight
in perfection
is the light
Poem copyright S. Reeson © 2026
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