“No one’s original, sep Joss.”

What is it to be original?

Must be like an original painting, freshly painted on a white hyde canvas;

But all the best paintings are imitated.

So are the best of us copied and reused?

None of us planned to be used,

The best of us were thought of one day,

Painted on a canvas a very original way;

The brush swept every direction,

Created a tasteful confection;

So smooth and so distinguishing,

So ideal, in need of nothing,

Adored by few, envied by most,

Copied and repainted on a canvas of gold,

Imitated and distributed for all to see,

But like her, none will ever be.

2011

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Some background on the poem: The fist line is a quote from my math tutor, he had a few kids today and this was the conversation.

Louis: I used to like Gaga, but she’s a copycat.
Gen: Yeah, everyone think’s she so original.
Brian (my tutor): Yeah, no one’s original, sep Joss.