The world is yours. The world is ours. The difficulty seems to be holding both statements in my heart-mind at the same time, so reminders are needed and appreciated. I first photographed this piece on 03-April-20 during a morning walk in the early days of the pandemic lockdowns. Over the next several months, I was able to connect this piece to a larger series on the Near West Side of Chicago that I interpret as commentary on our world, reminders of what might be considered “truth”, and inspiration to active participation in life. The sly eyes are present in most pieces, as is a sense of motion. More pieces by this artist will be shared in future posts.

Over the ensuing 18 months, I have walked past this piece more than 100 times while noticing that the paint has not weathered much due to being shaded from the sun on the north side of the Metra viaduct. Nor has the piece been tagged by jealous posers or painted over by the city despite the visible location. This one might be up for a few years.

The world is yours. Perhaps differently stated as this world is yours, to acknowledge different realms. This world is physical, experienced by the seven senses. This world is emotional, experienced inside our bodies and minds. This world is beyond what we sense and feel, inclusive of all that has happened in the past combined with what is happening in the present. Our ancestors are with us, just look around at all they created. The future is not assured yet is dependent on what happens now. This world is yours to discover, to create, to consume, to observe. Now. Take hold, but not too tightly.

The world is ours. Collectively. We share this world. Yet we fight over what the world should be without much regard to the perfection we are living in or that we can collectively create change. Less than 60 days after this photo was taken, the National Guard was stationed 1 block to the east to prevent calamity and to keep people apart. There was no atmosphere of “ours”. The National Guard may be back soon, because the root causes of disagreement have not been addressed and compassion is not the default action in our culture. But listening and compassion can be the basis of the world we create, together.

The world is yours. Seize the day.