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.