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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ENVY by BENJAMIN ROSENBAUM

First Line: IF MICHELANGELO COULD TAKE MY THOUGHT
Last Line: CAN LEAVE ME HOLY, PASSIONATE, ALONE.
Subject(s): MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI (1475-1564); SCULPTURE & SCULPTORS;

IF Michelangelo could take my thought
And mold it, as cold stone, to living form!
I work in brittle words. He could have wrought
A quiet girl; a whirling god of storm.
A piece of marble, white as flesh is white,
Can shape a noble forehead or a breast.
A softened surface placed in shade and light
Might take me from myself and give me rest.

If Michelangelo could nervously
Work my mad thought, there would rise up a god
With stormy eyes, with whirling hair and shod
In flame, reaching to give his potency
To frosty stars. I work in words but stone
Can leave me holy, passionate, alone.



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