Michelangelo carved David over the city

When I saw abundance rising out

of the dark skyline, 

I did not turn as I should

being warned by parables, 

the intuition of scrolls 

of danger held in a glance. Because 

the heart is a thing of betrayal. 

And your fourteen foot rise 

told stories of how even the largest stone 

could be lifted, turned in a palm 

and slung through the air 

without knowing the stream or impact 

to change the world. At a distance 

you tower beautiful still- nebulous: 

mighty to powder the petals of a woman’s heart. 

To pull her from the grips 

of herself, into the Jordan, 

the dust streets leading to Judah. 

But you do not mean it, do not 

know. Dangling a glow with the pitch 

over your shoulder, calling out 

to God with far-off eyes. As I 

look back millenaries on, 

as though I were only a dream.

Author's Note

2014

Reviews

[gram linski]

A well sculpted piece of writing about a master artist, being warned by parables, the intuition of scrolls, these are the first lines to keep bouncing round my brain, there are more, fantastic piece of art, the way you express the transcendence of being through stone,

[Eilis]

Thank you, Gram. Sometimes I think the only things we have at our disposal to help understand experience are symbols.

Always reaching. Appreciate your reading.

[gram linski]

symbolism is older than god, where do you think he came from, lol keep reaching and writing,

[Eilis]

Ahh, you've unpuzzled the secret of life, haha. Will do, gram.

[barleygirl]

Admittedly, I'm not catching all the nuances of your message or the sculpture itself, but this is a stunning sculpture and your poetry is equally unique & memorable. I'm left feeling that the spontaneous force which compels any artist to whip out something as huge & singular as David, this must be an insulating force which puts the artist into a mindset where there everyday junk is suspended while M'angelo fulfills his commission as channel to the Gods (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Eilis]

I love your idea of the suspension of other realities when the call of creation takes over, Margie. I sort of feel that way sometimes. If there’s a poem in my head that wants to be written nothing else feels as important in that moment.

I suppose Michelangelo had the benefit of being able to devote his life to it while most mere mortals have to get on with the business of life. But his work endures because of its purity and uniqueness so maybe he was channeling the gods.

Thanks for your comment. I always enjoy your commentary. Hope you are well there.

[olla]

wow.. I believe one should begin at the beginning.. and I am not disappointed.. this is a powerful piece and very well written.. David.. we sometimes forget that there are feet of sand.. I can't remember who wrote it.. the years since 9th grade English lit are too many.. but.. "for all that and all that a man's a man for all that.."

ok.. I cheated... it was Robert Burns..

[Eilis]

I love your comment, olla. That Robert Burns quote is great. A man is indeed a man and will always behave as such. Women included. We can’t help but be ourselves no matter what that means for others.

Thanks for venturing back into my writings. This is one poem I’m kind of proud of, so glad you enjoyed it and found meaning within.

Lovely to meet you. Thank you again.

[olla]

it was my pleasure.. I am a fan of David AND Michelangelo.. you have to have seen with a kind of Devine vision to so perfectly render a likeness that even after centuries his creation sill moves us to such passion.. even as the story still moves us in lots of different ways.. some of them quite unexpected..

nice to meet you as well..

[Eilis]

Yes, indeed, olla, what you say is so true. Thank you again. I look forward to visiting your page and reading your poetry as well.

[CD Campbell]

I really love the cadence of this poem when read aloud. To my ear, it rises steadily like a great oncoming wave. Crests at ,"But you do not mean it, do not know", holds its note, then breaks with the following stanza. The last is the aftermath, the undertow.... All that other stuff about David is kinda cool also. Ha. Good poem. I'm a little jealous.

[Eilis]

Yeah, that’s kind of how I read it too. The rise and crash, I mean. I am also jealous, ha. I haven’t been able to write a poem like this in a few years. One where the pieces all fit together just so, I mean. I’m not sure this isn’t the only one I’ve written that felt that way.

Thanks, CD.

[Mrudula Rani]

You are addressing this monumental marble eidolon, recalling biblical references and as well as his eminence. At the same time I realize the delicate feminal admiration for his magnificent form, Eilis. ( I could be wrong, just like any female I would be awe struck by the perfection and beauty of this male figure. (I am extremely fond of Auguste Rodin's Thinker). How very true, for heart is a thing of betrayal, ..especially a lovelorn, sentimental heart.

[Eilis]

This is one of my favorite poems I’ve ever written. I don’t know why, it just feels complete where others feel like they could be gone over and over.

Thank you for your appreciation of it, Mrudula. All great art creates that sense of being awe-struck in me.

Thanks for your visits.

[Robert Trakofler]

David has been a subject of study for me as well:) Pondering the definition of beauty the statue of David was cited many times in terms of symmetry being adopted as a sign of physical beauty. I of course don't subscribe to this formula very much but it did come up as a reference several times in my research. the gaze was cast towards Rome as beacon of strength of the independence of Florence. that is what I derived of the true beauty of the statue its symbology of a people surviving surrounded by so many stronger states in a time when enlightenment was flourishing yet threatened by power. I Love your interpretations and reflections and of course the biblical references interweaved in your poem of which I cant help but think was more than likely mulling about in his muse as he sculpted this

[Eilis]

Your first part there reminded me of the golden spiral. I've read about that as well. It's interesting to ponder how often that is found even in the natural world and beyond. But I do still prescribe to an individual response to visual stimuli and definition of beauty, yes.

I remember reading about the placement and the careful way the stone was chosen-- and the difficulties encountered in the sculpting itself. I was fascinated by the driven nature of the man. How it felt like something that he must do.

Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences, Robert. I love to hear those kinds of things. And thanks for your kind words on the poem. Always appreciate your visits.

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Just too short of what to say,
It kept playing on my intelligent
as I was try to fully understand its contents.
But really, I was amazed to understand it.

Wonderfully written, Eilis.

[Eilis]

Thanks very much, Kay. That’s a very kind comment.

[Neville]

I dunno where to begin, or even if there is such a thing when it comes to poetry such as this. In my opinion, you have crafted something really quite magnificent here.

You bring to mind several of the scriptures and associated parables including those about Lott and pillars of salt etc.. Could be wrong of course but hey…

I am also reminded of the beauty of David and cool aesthetic pleasures.. I remember how I felt precisely and in awe when I stood before him several years ago now… If these words were not penned while sitting in a museum, art gallery or mausoleum, then I will be blowed… Sheesh I could go on but ...

[Eilis]

Thanks so much, Neville, for that glowing review. These lines were actually penned at around 11:30 at night after a day of studying Michelangelo with my kids, haha. I’ve always felt like I would be dumb-struck standing in front of the real thing.

Mostly I am inspired by something I read or see near home. Imagination sparks. And, yes, the Biblical figure of David etc figure heavily in the poem. My old Baptist roots, ha.

Thanks for your kind words and appreciation of the poem.

[Neville]

not quite a million miles off target then..... but I'm happy.. and my pleasure too..... N

[Eilis]

I thought you captured the spirit of it perfectly. Thanks again, N

[Neville]

that's the spirit........pleasure's mine :)

[Eilis]

:D .........

[Neville]

indubitably.......... :D..

[John Alexander McFadyen]

The opening stanza is simply breath taking, a masterpiece. The poem in freeverse is so silky smooth and filled with the taste of a parable in salt pillars. The art of Michaelangelo is indeed carved high in several cities and represents a romantic period of time. This is a lovely poem!

[Eilis]

Many thanks for your kind words, John. I am glad you enjoyed the poem. Thanks for your visit.