Michael Coy Poet Sonnet

He Wishes To Immortalise His Mistress

(after Michelangelo Buonarotti)

How is it, ma mignonne, (as we all know)
that figures carved in mountain marble stay
exquisite, pristine, everlasting, though
the hand that shaped them dies, and rots away?

The Cause must cede. Effect alone survives.
That Life is short, and Art is long, I yield.
I speak as one who, as an artist, strives
to vanquish Time and Death, and claim the field.

And with your help, I’ll do it.  With my skill
and your unblemished beauty, we can make
a semblance of your dignity and grace.
When we are dead and gone, mankind will still,
astonished, contemplate your lovely face,
and say, “See how he suffered for her sake.”

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Darren White April 14, 2017 at 12:53 PM "Com’esser, donna, può quel c’alcun vede // per lunga sperïenza, che più dura // l’immagin viva in pietra alpestra e dura // che ’l suo fattor, che gli anni in cener riede?" // Wow, as ever, love the way you translate, my friend.... This is lovely. Love the "ma mignonne" :) And that last line is to die for (pun intended) Michael Coy April 14, 2017 at 1:10 PM Since meeting you, I have to wear a bigger hat!