Inspiration

"The Shadow Side" by Maynard Dixon                           The "I am Cottonwood" poem      

I was inspired to write I AM COTTONWOOD by this Maynard Dixon painting, The Shadow Side, at the Palm Springs Art Museum. The single flaming yellow tree against the dark background reminded me of the phrase "A one in a million voice", about Nellie Melba. 

Upon seeing the painting, I composed the poem "I am Cottonwood", which became the foundation of the play:

"I am Cottonwood.

I stand alone in my glory, alone in my fire of sunburst yellow.

The wind rustles my leaves-can you not feel it?

I am Melba. I am Cottonwood. I stand alone."