King, Soldier, Poet Inspired by Oh Hellos

Soldiers want what kings have: power. Not in a selfish sense; They want the power to change whatever war they may be battling. They're forever in the kings servitude. It's their job. 

Kings want what poets have: true freedom. No worries. They live their lives as the bringers of art for the people. They have no rules, no responsibility. Just one true promise to themselves and to those around them... Be the loyal optimist that brings comfort and joy to the people around them. 

Yet poets... Poets want what soldiers have. A sense of purpose. They want to be useful to the world. We artists are our own worst critics. No one will see more flaws in our work than we do. We will never be truly happy with our contributions to the world unless it's directly in front of us. To be able to help the world by protecting it— even if it's a life of isolated pain and anxious solitude— would be more helpful than creating something we can never truly be happy with.

--Rose W., 6th-8th Grade