Notes About The Poem
10/9/2025 for Deathbed Poetry Contest sponsored by Daniel Henry Rodgers
Death Bed Poetry: Leonardo da Vinci
"I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have." ~ last words of Leonardo da Vinci
Dear Leonardo, one so easily admired,
countless souls you have inspired.
It's been five hundred years, and yet,
the world, it seems, cannot forget.
So striking, your last words of regret.
How, then, can this be?
You make us question. It is your style.
What makes the Mona Lisa smile?
She gazed at you with all her heart,
bemused at the genius, set apart,
and became the world's most famous art,
and so maybe I can see:
I do not think it's false modesty,
but another puzzle key
to the meaning of your quote,
as history you rewrote,
God's divine purpose to devote,
you didn't optimize your gift.
While I don't know God's thinking,
I expect He's unoffended and unblinking.
You needn't brood or smolder.
From your illustrious shoulders -
go ahead, remove that boulder.
Give your heart a lift.
I would expect He had a plan,
using you the best way He can.
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