Michelangelo Poem by Tyler Lashbrook

I saw a video today-
A documentary about the Renaissance
and the beauty it left behind.
David stands, so strong
waiting for Goliath’s first strike.

I stand, much weaker –
With a shaking to my knees
at the brilliant display of artistic vision.

I imagine Michelangelo chipping away
at this marble marvel with dry hands
and a resting heartbeat.
On the other hand is me,
dripping sweat while watching
this man so calmly at work.

“Don’t break the finger!
Be careful! Don’t spill the blood
From the stoney vein! ”

He laughs at my attempt to help

I return to my chair –
Mouth wide open, staring at the television.

Poets todays are the sculptures yesterday,
carving a story from one sheet of paper
with still hands and an easy mind.

Concocting the most innocent of images
Breaking the mold, rewriting history books.