Michelangelo is a busboy

Of wasted talent.

Weaving magical cathedrals

full of

color and light

as he walks between tables

shuffling his feet

with wide brushstrokes

of empty pursuit.

Giant swaths of anguished

naked spirits dance

as he dips his brush into

the downward spiral ladder of his

sweating brow. 

He sweeps the  floor, silently

pocketing fevered glimpses of

clay dust, seeds of intention 

chiseled, dripping

pools of muted spectrum

into the cracks.

Picking his coat off the hook

to go and rest his head

until daybreak calls him back

to grind at this stone, 

he walks the sidewalk

in darkness

seeping brilliance

into a storm drain

Author's Note

After writing this I found a very cool website called busboysandpoets.com. The name Busboys and Poets refers to American poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy at the Wardman Park Hotel in the 1920s, prior to gaining recognition as a poet. I love Langston Hughes, but I hadn't known that.

Reviews

[Clockwork]

I had to come and read this poem once I saw the title; it is a great title. I never thought of Michelangelo in this way before, and I think it is an interesting take on his art. In some ways I suppose artists are servants to the creative muse, and I think you show Michelangelo in that role.

Once again, I really like how you present your thoughts in verse form.

[Kristina Moulaison]

Thank you for your insight. I actually changed the title a smidge after reading your review. I had the thought of how sad it would be if he were just a busby, one of the many talented people that go about their lives doing completing mundane tasks while they are full of such talent. It is perhaps a call to follow that which ignites your passion. A bit of a cautionary tale perhaps. Very interesting the way you saw it though and I actually really like that too! Very cool how our words can mean more or different things than what we intend. Thanks for sharing your thoughts like that! Do you think the new title is okay?

[Clockwork]

You are quite welcome! Yes, I think that it works as well.

[Kristina Moulaison]

Thanks! I'm not sure I like it as much. We'll see.

[Frieda P]

The title grabs you by the throat, Vatican would love it. ;-)
The content is enthralling.

'clay dust, seeds of intention'

I am always enslaved by your choice of words.

[Kristina Moulaison]

Enslaved, nice! Your reviews are always so entertaining. Thanks! :)

[@]

A marvellous work. A very thoughtful and romantic (without the flowery stuff) work. I dig it tremendously!

[Kristina Moulaison]

Thanks you! :)