In the darkroom, with pan and light
An amateur artist works all night
Composing pictures with great care
Each one a masterpiece, rare

The shutter clicks, the exposure set
The process can be cumbersome, yet
With each crude print that comes to be
The joy of creation is plain to see

The amateur's art, though not refined
Is crafted with heart, with soul and mind
And though the process may be slow
It's worth it to see each picture glow

So young ones, take heart and know
That beauty can come from what seems crude and low
With time and practice, you too can create
Your own masterpieces, to celebrate.

Reflections

1. What is the amateur artist doing in the darkroom?
2. What is the amateur artist's goal in composing pictures?
3. Why is the process of creating prints cumbersome?
4. What is the joy of creation that is mentioned in the poem?
5. What is the message that the poem is trying to convey to young ones?