The farmer can till the soil, lay the seed and shower his crops with water but he can't pull on the corn stalks. Corn grows at its own pace and only when it's ready. It's the natural way of things. The farmer must learn to trust in the process that is nature, otherwise he will drive himself mad willing the corn into existence.

I think about this often when I find myself stuck on a creative project: be it a piece of advertising, a poem or an essay. Like the farmer, I can fulfill my end of the bargain. I can constantly expose myself to inspiration in the form of art, literature and experiences. I can sit my ass down in a chair each day. I can try my best to keep the cursor on my screen from sitting idle for too long. But, I can't tug on the copy, the poetry or the prose. Ideas take form at their own pace and only when they're ready.