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Masterpiece
by Tony WhitakerFrom one man’s hands perfection formed
Might and beauty marble born
Like standing on a mountain top
I felt the pull, to jump, to drop
A left hand grips that storied sling
While his right cradles the fated stone
Back foot braced against his staff
Front foot forward in a fencer’s stance
With cool disdain the mouth a sneer
Eyes are open, nostrils flared
A growl sits in that marbled brow
A face focused for a fatal blow
I can hear this future king now say?
“I promise to take your head this day”
This smooth and marbled chefs-d'oeu•vre
Michelangelo’s place in history
 05/13/2009 Author's Note: Several weeks ago I was fortunate enough to spend several days in Florence, Italy with my wife. If you have not seen Michelangelo's David (there are several but the real one is in "The Gallery of the Accademia di Belle Arti") then you are missing one of the wonders of the world. This is the view you will NOT see in the Academy, since the statue is turned so you cannot see the true look on David's face. This is the picture Michelangelo meant for the world to see thanks to the technology of Professor J.H. McCullouch of Ohio State University (http://www.econ.ohio-state.edu/jhm/arch/david/David.htm) and you should keep this in mind if you get the chance to see the statue as you are not able to make out David's expression because of the way the statue is turned.
Posted on 05/13/2009
Copyright © 2024 Tony Whitaker
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Gabriel Ricard on 05/13/09 at 12:38 PM Absolutely fascinating stuff, man. |
| Posted by Kris Mara on 05/13/09 at 01:01 PM and a masterful description honoring him so well...thank you for posting the image along with your words. |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 05/16/09 at 12:43 AM You bring the statue to life with your poetic description. I really didn't experience the facial expression as pictured here when I saw three of the statues (there are several of David) in Florence. One is really awed by the overall bigger than life "feel" of the statue. |
| Posted by Elizabeth Jill on 05/17/09 at 07:48 PM Terrific writing and fine dialogue! Thank you for this poem - which pulls me in! |
| Posted by Elizabeth Jill on 05/17/09 at 07:50 PM And the photo... yes! |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 05/18/09 at 04:40 PM Ah, the strength of youthful purpose sculpted here! I appreciate you sharing the photo. Great poetic accompaniment, Tony. I especially like stanza 3. |
| Posted by JD Clay on 05/20/09 at 10:34 PM This is a well crafted piece, Tony. I can certainly see where you get your inspiration. |
| Posted by Joan Serratelli on 05/28/09 at 07:50 PM I loved the whole piece, from start to finish. The picture enhanced the words.Wonderful write! |
| Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 05/31/09 at 07:31 PM Great combination of art and poetry, Tony. |
| Posted by A. Paige White on 06/02/09 at 03:22 PM So very beautiful in every way. I was just reading about David last night so it was a wonderful surprise to get to see the Master's depiction of him. Stunning, right between my eyes, but thankfully not as much so as Goliath experienced. |
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