School of Athens

(Raphael 1483 - 1520)

 

  

Plato’s finger points

past the cloud-wisped

blue but Aristotle

 

gestures towards the earth

for art, poetry

and philosophy, are here.

 

You take me by the hand,

friend, artist, creator

of this afternoon place.

 

Beneath classical arches

we tread a symmetry

of fawn and beige, pass

 

Pythagoras, and Michelangelo

slouching on the stairs.

If I asked,

 

could you take me

beyond the vanishing point 

to stroll by lily-covered pools?

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Raphael was working on this fresco at the same time as Michelangelo was painting the Sistine Ceiling. Many of the philosophers in the School of Athens are contemporary figures Leonardo Di Vinci is represented as Plato. The figure of Raphael stares out from from the lower right corner of the painting. It is Raphael I address in this poem. It is believed that the figure sitting on the stairs is Michelangelo, represented as Heraclitus. The original cartoons do not show this figure. According to legend he was added after Raphael popped down the corridor and sneaked a peek at the frescoes that were currently being painted on the Sistine Ceiling .

Reviews

[Dave "Doc" Rogers]

I am not a very good judge of this style of poetry. I read through twice and I couldn't seem to find the rhythm of it. But, that is just me. I may not be a man for all seasons; in this case, all forms of poetry.

What I did like is your word usage from a descriptor's standpoint. They create nice visuals in themselves and bespeak of another time and place where these artists may have walked; or, by their close study, it is as if they walk with you, teaching you what was taught.

Thanks!

Doc.

[Gandré]

could you take me
beyond the vanishing point
to stroll by lily-covered pools? ----------the ending it is what I love so much. It is so innocent and beautiful.

a powerful sophisticated poem. we all forget far to much what is the cradle of human culture.
bravo, I loved it.

[Donald Meikle]

Aaah school days, with all those open windows,all those wispy clouds. Slouching on the stairs, wondering
where we'll be ten years from now. Eire maybe?
Great poem sweet insights.

[Tawny O'hara]

another great poem... I need to introduce you to a Greek friend of mine. She tolerates me even though I'm not Greek, she likes me enough to want me to be one, but I BE IRISH to the core.

Lovely poem
Thanks for sending it to me

[Sarah Williams]

What a beautiful piece...wow! I'm very impressed by this. THe imagery was right on, and I could feel myself strolling through this place that you described and watching it come alive all around me. Great flow...Bravo!