A tree stands and waits with patience. Its trunk is full of gnarls, like the fingers of an old person. It stands, faded by the sun, having seen many years go by. Days and nights move around it. We look up at the blue sky, so rich and clear, and sometimes forget what we truly need. We forget to be patient
Get out of the way old tree! I want to see the sky.
But the tree remains patient. During the day, it marks the earth with the movement of the sun across the sky, never rushing, just letting things be, moment by moment. At night, it stands almost like a guard, keeping watch, waiting. It never complains,
You are gray today, bring back Your blue sky!
If it cannot mark the earth like a sundial, it simply waits, gnarled and old, just as it did yesterday and as it will tomorrow.
Jeremiah Ray is an interdisciplinary artist and writer living and working in coastal Maine. He holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His visual artwork mirrors his life, characterized by ongoing exploration and discovery. During his formative years, Jeremiah traveled extensively, exploring languages and cultures to seek adventure and better understand himself. Jeremiah completed his MFA in studio art with a clear goal—to teach. He aimed to help others discover and refine their unique, personal language. He believes art surpasses verbal communication, and finding one's voice in a personal medium to express oneself nonverbally is both a significant challenge and a powerful skill. In 2016, Jeremiah was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer. This diagnosis profoundly changed his perspective on art, both visual and written, reinforcing his belief that art is a universal language. Facing the emotional weight of his diagnosis, Jeremiah became aware that he often lacked the words to understand and share his experiences fully. During this difficult time, he focused on two fundamental questions: What does it mean to be vulnerable? And how can I communicate this to others? Guided by these questions, he has embarked on a personal journey of healing and self-exploration.
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