Caroline Cécile Delacroix Poet Ekphrasis

The Deposition By Michelangelo

The Deposition by Michelangelo


He could not stop once he began the work
Of shaping a most painful scene in stone
For the whole world to see and remember
Hoping they will feel what he felt so strong
Jesus, His life offered as sacrifice
Sorrow filled eyes of those who had been there
Haunting dreams invading his sleep at night
Feeling deep inside, the pain and despair
And he knew it had become a mission 
To bring to life in marble, his vision.

It must have been a Friday quite chilly
For the bodies of those carrying Him
Are covered from head to toe heavily
Yet just pieces of clothes are seen on Him
Perhaps awkwardly placed around in haste
By Mary Magdalene or His mother
Agony written all over her face.
Yet clearly perceived upon their features
 I see traces of their love for Jesus
Not escaping those of Nicodemus.

Nicodemus, a man who knew the Lord
Devastated by the horror he’d seen.
Michelangelo worked the marble long
Shaping the pain stricken face of his dreams
Taking a step back, had carved his own face
Had seen himself help the crying women
Take down Jesus’ heavy and lifeless frame.
Dropped his tool, overcome with emotion
Unable to continue, kneeled down to pray
Left it unfinished; “The Deposition”.


By CarolineCecile
Copyright © 12.14.09


Note: This is the first time I write in the Ekphrasis form, so I am not sure I have done this 
right, but I did want to challenge myself to write. Please feel free to critique and make 
suggestions where it needs improvement. 
Also, the third verse, line 5 and 6 came from my imagination. I do not know if the face of 
Nicodemus is Michelangelo's, but somehow I felt compelled to write that.
Thank you for reading, Caroline.

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Elaine George December 19, 2009 at 10:31 AM YOU CERTAINLY DID DO IT RIGHT dear Caroline. Sensational Ekphrasis! Congratulation on your win in Raul's contest. Love, Lainie

Brian Strand December 19, 2009 at 8:13 AM Congrats on your success in Raul's contest Caroline.Rgds Brian

Carrie Richards December 19, 2009 at 7:30 AM What an amazing depiction of this piece of art....you have written a compelling poem, and so well deserving a win in this challenge! Well done, Caroline...Congratulations!! Love, Carrie

Linda-Marie Sweetheart December 19, 2009 at 7:07 AM Congrats on your winning poem in Raul's contest.. well deserved win for an excellent entry... blessings... luv.. and thankxxx for your kind comments on my poetry always... Linda-Marie "Sweetheart" of Poetry Soup..

James Fraser December 19, 2009 at 4:54 AM Many congratulations on your win in Raul's fine contest Caroline, Merry Christmas >> James

Raul Moreno December 19, 2009 at 3:03 AM Caroline, congrats on your success in my contest...Raul

Marty Owens December 18, 2009 at 7:45 PM Oh and good luck in the contest....Marty

Marty Owens December 18, 2009 at 7:45 PM I love this Caroline...it's beautiful...It's a winner in my book...Really enjoyed...Marty

John Freeman December 18, 2009 at 7:34 AM I don't know either Caroline. But we must write what is flowing from the heart, for the mind is not it's judge, but rather it's servant. Expect mysterious, unexplained miracles this Christmas, for this year is a year that has brought prefection into view. This is something I begin to feel the need to say,as I was reading you poem, Sincerely, Love, Moses

Linda-Marie Sweetheart December 16, 2009 at 5:40 AM Excellent job and beautiful poetry from your pen Caroline.. tis was very challenging to write about such a beautiful masterpiece.. good luck in Raul's contest.. my entry is Manifesto and I also have never written in this poetry style and form so Raul has offered a learning curve as well as a challenge to explore our talents... much success with your entry... blessings... luv... and thankxxx for your kind comments on my poetry today... Linda-Marie

Juliane Thomas December 15, 2009 at 4:23 PM Wonderful entry for Raul's contest! Good luck, and thank you so much for your kind comments on my poetry ~Juliane

Carol Sunshine Brown December 15, 2009 at 7:05 AM Thank you for this excellent poem you shared with us today Caroline. Love, Carol

Carolyn Devonshire December 14, 2009 at 4:52 PM You really bring the artist's passion to life in this write, Caroline, and allow the reader to experience the emotions he must have felt while creating this masterpiece. Love the way you tell us who Michelangelo had actually "carved his own face." Didn't know that! I'm not very famiiar with Ephrasis either, Caroline, but Brian seems to be a master of all styles. Maybe he'll offer some input. Enjoyed this work! Love, Carolyn

Sara Kendrick December 14, 2009 at 4:08 PM Very welld escribes the carving in terms of what you felt impressed on you in seeing the work. I am not one to say on the style for I don't know. Keep the creative and magical pen flowing. Good luck in the contest and should do well. Sara