Classic Poem

Is it a riot of color on canvas
With reckless dashes of red-gold
'Gainst a vivid sunset sky?
A sea-gull on the wing,
A lone pine-tree on a snow-white mountain-side?
Or a poet's dream of day-dawn,
Soothing twilight,
And the love-laden light of the moon?

Is it Venus or winged Victory,
Wrought in bronze clay?
Or the witching light in a woman's eye,
Wooing her mate?
Or the insistent love-call
Of her seductive smile?

When a comrade pours out living joy,
Into the depths of a lonely heart,
Or brings a smile to a joyless face,
Is it Art, divine?
Is Art, Life,
Is Life the Art of Arts?