Notes About The Poem

Michelangelo's Marble

Sculptor’s marble slab -
The subject decides which chips
To leave on the floor


"The best artist has that thought alone 
Which is contained within the marble shell; 
The sculptor's hand can only break the spell 
To free the figures slumbering in the stone."

Michelangelo
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
May 17, 2020 at 9:58 AM
Good one, John. Well penned.
Watt Avatar
May 18, 2020 at 10:02 AM
Thank you, Line. Deeply appreciated.
La France Avatar
May 13, 2020 at 6:45 PM
John, excellent, congratulations on your win in Brian's contest _Constance
Watt Avatar
May 13, 2020 at 7:13 PM
Thank you Constance, your kind words and congrats always mean so much to me ~ John
Kauffman Avatar
May 13, 2020 at 11:38 AM
John, congratulations on your winning placement that you carved out of Michelangelo's words of poetic wisdom in your delightful haiku. Blessings!
Watt Avatar
May 13, 2020 at 7:10 PM
Always love your comments, my friend. "Carved out"! Have a great day ~ John
Cheney Avatar
April 30, 2020 at 12:48 PM
I must confess to not being a great appreciator of works of art for many years of my life. When I had the chance to see the work of Michelangelo and many of the other great masters I was quite taken by the great dedication, detail, passion, persistence, not to mention talent these masters displayed.
Watt Avatar
April 30, 2020 at 6:52 PM
Kenneth, I was in my 40's when I first took an interest in art. I am not an artist, just a student, appreciator, and encourager of artists. Thank you for leaving your thoughtful comment on my Michelangelo page. Be well ~ John
Canerdy Avatar
April 30, 2020 at 12:33 AM
Magnificent, John! Janice
Watt Avatar
April 30, 2020 at 12:37 AM
Thank you for your read and comment Janice! Hugs ~ John
Callus Avatar
April 28, 2020 at 12:14 PM
Your senryu captures Michelangelo's thoughts in a nutshell, John. I would call this the power of suggestion. Regards // pauyl
Watt Avatar
April 28, 2020 at 12:32 PM
Thank you my friend. I am attempting to grow my writing into more of that power of suggestion. I appreciate your visit today ~ John
Faulkner Avatar
April 27, 2020 at 9:00 PM
For the mind to see the figures shape is one thing - but for the hands to craft the vision is quite another - I wish I were more tactile!
Watt Avatar
April 27, 2020 at 9:26 PM
Me too, Michelle, I have no talent in fine arts! Can you imagine making a mistake and *crash* there goes an arm?
Dietrich Avatar
April 27, 2020 at 5:16 PM
yes, PICK!!! Well, I came close. What the Pluck!!!
Watt Avatar
April 27, 2020 at 7:42 PM
Haha!
Dietrich Avatar
April 27, 2020 at 4:15 PM
ha, I had to look up plectrum or whatever word you said. I just call it a pluck!!! Hmmm, maybe I had another word for it but it's been 20 years since I practiced guitar so now I forgot it! Ok, you wanted me to read a poem I think. Gotta remember which I have not seen!
Watt Avatar
April 27, 2020 at 4:29 PM
I think the word you're looking for is a guitar PICK. Even guitarists, (most of them) don't know the word plectrum. I'm happy to see you looked it up! That poem of yours about being a guitar was really awesome.
Rodrigues Avatar
April 27, 2020 at 7:37 AM
Excellent! Precision of words.
Watt Avatar
April 27, 2020 at 12:52 PM
Thank you, Kim. That was the goal.
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 26, 2020 at 9:22 PM
I am very familiar with his sentiments about how the marble guides his hands. I used to sculpt many years ago when in my twenties. He is one of my idols. This amazing haiku of yours is going into my Faves John. I adored it! xxoo
Watt Avatar
April 26, 2020 at 9:29 PM
Connie, I'm impressed with your 'renaissance woman' talents! I would love to hear more about your sculpting: medium, schooling, output, duration - should you care to share. Glad to know you are also a Michelangelo fan. Were you aware he wrote over 70 Italian sonnets too? Thanks for the Fave!
Dietrich Avatar
April 26, 2020 at 2:46 PM
very insightful, my friend. I hope all is going well with you lately! I see you got some people doing the movie challenge . hOw fast time flew and that finished out. I will just keep going!! Maybe I will start reviewing best stuff on Netflix. haha. Best ]Buys computer geeks fixed my printer problem. I was so impressed. Feeling like I have too much stuff to ever get done. Maybe it's easier for you? have a wonderful day, John.
Watt Avatar
April 26, 2020 at 11:05 PM
Soupmail!
Adams Avatar
April 26, 2020 at 9:18 AM
my cousin is always sculpting things, she lives in Italy so I only see her works as she shares them, but your poem allowed me to envision her skillfully crafting... thanks for that... hugs
Watt Avatar
April 26, 2020 at 10:23 AM
How nice to have another artist in your family! I hope you are able to share your wonderful poetry with her as well. Hugs ~ John
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