I did not think photography an art
Until I read Zigrosser’s essay on
The artist Alfred Stieglitz. Then my heart
Turned over and my foolishness was gone.

I did not know the discipline required
To see the beauty where no beauty lies,
To let one’s self be patiently inspired,
To let the camera become one’s eyes.

I could not guess the sacrifice it cost
To make photography the art it’s now.
To work unceasingly in hours lost,
To forfeit gain, and to survive somehow.

How little did I understand photography,
Though I’m the son of a photographer, you see!

Copyright (2006) by Arnold Cantor.
All rights reserved.

[Written July 13, 2006.]