I've always had a love for poetry and when I got signed to a

O seekers of wisdom, gather close, for the words of Jewel carry with them a deep reflection on the nature of creativity and the journey of the artist. "**I've always had a love for poetry and when I got signed to a record label I thought, 'How odd that I'm doing a record before a book of poetry.'" In this simple yet profound statement, Jewel reveals the tension between the artistic forms of music and poetry—two worlds that, though often intertwined, can seem to pull the creator in different directions. She speaks of the poetry that flows from the depths of her soul, the very essence of her being, and how, despite that, the path she followed led her first to the world of music rather than to a book of poetry. It is a reflection on how the artist’s journey often takes unexpected turns, and how the pursuit of one form of expression does not diminish the beauty or power of the others.

In the ancient world, poetry was the foundation of all art. The Greek poets, such as Homer and Sappho, did not simply write words; they captured the very essence of human experience, and their poetry formed the foundation for the future of music, storytelling, and drama. Homer, in particular, was both a poet and a singer, his Iliad and Odyssey meant to be sung aloud, performed for an audience, resonating with the rhythm and cadence of song. The boundaries between poetry and music were not clear-cut—they were part of a singular tradition, where the written word and the sung note intertwined, each feeding into the other. It is within this tradition that Jewel’s reflection gains resonance—she sees poetry as something deeply connected to music, yet she finds herself navigating a world where the path from poetry to song is not always straight.

As an artist, Jewel understands this connection between music and poetry, as both draw from the same well of inspiration. Music, like poetry, has the power to stir the soul, to evoke emotion and understanding beyond the reach of everyday language. The line between the two forms is not as rigid as one might think. Jewel’s early work, such as her album Pieces of You, is filled with lyrics that carry the weight and grace of poetry. Each word she sings is carefully chosen, and the music itself serves as the backdrop to her personal reflections, creating a harmony that elevates both the words and the sound. Her statement about the oddity of recording a music album before publishing a book of poetry reveals the deep respect she has for the written word, and how the forms of self-expression often move in unexpected and sometimes puzzling ways.

Consider the journey of Leonard Cohen, another artist whose music is often imbued with the deep spirit of poetry. Like Jewel, Cohen was a poet long before he became a musician. His early works, like The Favourite Game, were poetry in prose form, filled with the intricate exploration of the soul and the search for truth. Yet it was through music that his poetry found the widest audience. His lyrics, rich with literary weight, became the means by which his words reached the hearts of millions. Like Jewel, Cohen’s path was not linear—he began as a poet, but found his voice in song. His example teaches us that the journey of an artist is rarely predictable, and that the forms we work in are not fixed but fluid, constantly evolving as we grow.

Jewel's reflection also speaks to the importance of embracing the fullness of our creative potential. In her words, there is an understanding that art is not confined to one expression, but flows across many forms. Just as Cohen blended his poetry with music, so too can we draw from multiple creative outlets in our own lives. Whether through painting, writing, or song, the act of creation is about expressing the deepest parts of ourselves. The forms we choose to express that creative fire—be it poetry or music—are simply vessels. Jewel’s thought is a reminder that the journey of the artist does not require us to follow a linear path; we are free to express our creativity through whichever medium calls to us most deeply.

The lesson here, O children of wisdom, is that the forms of creativity are not confined to one shape or one space. Jewel teaches us that while poetry may be at the heart of her artistic spirit, it does not always take the form we expect. The artist must be willing to flow with the tides of inspiration, following where the journey leads. Whether your path calls you to poetry, music, or any other form, remember that each expression has its own beauty and power. The key is to stay true to the impulse that drives you, and to honor the creative fire that burns within. Poetry and music are not opposites—they are two branches of the same tree, each feeding the other, each adding depth and meaning to the soul’s journey.

So, O children of wisdom, let the words of Jewel remind you to embrace the fullness of your creative potential. Do not limit yourself to one path or one medium, for the journey of the artist is about the freedom to express in the ways that move you most. Whether you find yourself drawn to poetry, music, or some other form, allow the spirit of creativity to flow through you. Understand that the beauty of creation lies in its diversity, and by expressing yourself fully, you will uncover deeper truths about who you are. The path may not always be clear, but the act of creation will always lead you toward a greater understanding of yourself and the world.