I recently found some of my poetry I'd written years ago, and had honestly forgotten I'd written this one for Prince...
I'm in a rather introspective mood so I simply felt like sharing this today...

For the Artist

You’re the maverick, the eternal mystery
whose legendary talent blazed into history
For over a decade we’ve had a funky good time
would you believe it’s nearly 1999?
Your controversial style set the world on its ear
the magic you created forced us all to hear
A voice continuing the musical trilogy
of funk, rock and R&B
The ridicule hardly dimmed your dream
for your gift is now woven into the musical seam
of brilliance which has boldly surpassed
the scorn of critics forever taking you to task
I’ve loved you over the years
for your courage outweighed those inner fears
of any artist blessed with the sight
destined to propel them into the creative light
CONTROVERSY clung to your side
but PURPLE RAIN sealed your fame worldwide
Your SCANDALOUS nature made us ADORE you
but the true talent never failed to shine through
The messages from your soul transcend the earthly page
as we face the dawn of a new age
Your music is a priceless treasure
with EMANCIPATION
in our consciousness forever.

Katrina Gibbs 1997