The Mighty One
The Mighty One
(A Description of “Scene du deluge”)
He straddles jutting rocks beneath a pall
of sky. Beneath is swirling water, and
the crooked arm of one lone tree is all
he’s found to cling to with his left curled hand.
An older man, who also grasps the tree,
upon the young man’s sturdy back is borne.
His legs are dangling. Awful weight is he
for him who stands exposed, his clothing torn.
His wife hangs from his other hand. One breast
is clutched by her small babe, and from her strains
another child to keep from dark waves’ crest.
The burden of them all - one man sustains!
Can he, mere mortal, thwart their cruel demise?
Stark terror holds the answer in his eyes.
**Many years ago I visited the Louvre, and there I beheld a picture by Girodet of the romantic
era . This painting stood out for me because of its depiction of a family in such huge peril
that they were totally dependant on one man and only his strength could save them all. If
you copy and paste this link, I hope you might see this stunning picture. The picture's name
translates to "Scene of a Flood"
http://www.postershop.com/Girodet-De-Roussy-Trioson-Anne-Louis/Girodet-De-Roussy-
Trioson-Anne-Louis-Scene-De-Deluge-1165956.html
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