One of the miracles of Renaissance art. It is presumptuous to comment, critique, expound or even praise. It just is, or to use our so unpoetic reality cliche, "it is what it is". Elizabeth Jennings' poem "Michaelangelo's First Pieta" is a contemplative appreciation, and one with the precise and essential tone of prayer that has taken shoes off in recognition of holy ground.
Michaelangelo's First Pieta.
Carve a compassion. Older than you are
He lies upon your lap. What can you do
But hold him with the trust you also fear?
Thus Michaelangelo
Saw what a girl may do for gods. O we
Have mercy on this man a woman holds,
God in the grip of our humanity.
All this the sculptor moulds.
But more. It is a prayer that he is saying
Wordless, except that written on her breast
He writes his name. The girl he is displaying
Has also brought him rest.
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