“I saw the angel in the marble and I carved until I set him free.”
~ Michelangelo ~
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I cry out to the Sculptor but he does not hear me from within the stone.
This tomb is cold and dark and heavy.
My words echo endlessly, repeating, repeating, growing quieter with each pass.
My feet cannot move, my hands are paralyzed, my lungs crushed against the weight.
My eyes are permanently open, yet see nothing but darkness.
I wait. Within the stone. Alone.
I was born once, and lived.
I was born once, and loved.
I was born once, and lost.
Now I wait to be found.
Again.
Now I wait to be birthed.
Again.
Now I wait to be heard.
Again.
Now I wait to be free.
Again.
He chips away steadily, with purpose,
until my feet are created upon a well-muscled pair of legs.
With each chip, something drops from me.
Grief litters the base mixing with the liquid of old tears.
Loss piles up as my legs break free.
Identity. Health. Title. Marriage. Jobs. Pets. Dreams.
The Sculptor gently blows away the dust of the ages,
and the motes sparkle in the sunlight as they lift from the heavy stone.
I wriggle my toes, happy for the sturdy foundation upon which I stand.
My feet remember sand squishing between my toes as I ran along a beach,
blades of grass tickling my soles while running through a field.
They itch at the thought of such freedom.
My arms and hands are next.
The muscles and tendons within my fingers protest as I stretch them for the first time.
No longer imprisoned in the stone, they let go of what they have grasped for far too long.
Blame, intolerance, despair, hopelessness break free and drift into nothingness
as my hands lift in supplication and thanks for another chance, another life.
Regrets disappear as The Sculptor blows away more dust,
His fingers running over the curves in a knowing caress.
He carves both ears, and as the waxy stone is removed,
a symphony of Divine beauty courses through the tunnels as my fingers shake in awe.
The notes echo through to my toes.
My eyes – yes, please – my eyes.
He chips away what seems like forever, then chips away some more.
What is wrong? Why can’t I see? There is only darkness where there should be light.
The Sculptor replaces his chisel with a sharper one,
and delicately crafts the blood vessels and membranes of sight.
Suddenly, like a dawn of ages past,
the light rises in colors more brilliant than I remember,
dazzling in its rainbow display.
Tears drip onto my frozen cheeks as I remember
the breathtaking beauty of things forgotten.
Focused, the work continues as He chisels and shapes and carves,
every detail from the flowing hair to the perfect, gleaming teeth a work of art.
Finished. At last, but for one last thing.
He walks to the Tabernacle and carefully opens its door, reaching in for His Precious Gift.
A heart, shimmering, pulsating, rests in His hands.
He walks toward me, and with eyes filled with love
and a voice barely more than a whisper,
gently pushes it into my chest.
“I give you My heart.”
A flood of compassion swirls through my body,
and I take a deep breath with my new lungs.
I breathe out warmth and love and contentment.
How can I feel weightless when carved from marble?
How can eyes see when chiseled from stone?
But I do. And I can.
All that weighed me down is no more.
I am no longer a prisoner of my own making;
I am blessedly, wonderfully free.
Free to take part in a further journey.
But this time, I will love more and take less.
This time, I will see with the Eyes of His Heart.
This time, I choose to remain free.
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So beautiful!
Thank you.
Wonderful!
My thanks, friend.
Reblogged this on Panic yesterday and commented:
This is one of the most beautiful poems I ever read. I do think we all in some way are captured in somt sort of stone, longing to find that special one to help us to get out of the stone. Who that special one is? I think it can be anyone you meet. It doesn’t have to be the Master. Reblogged from Soul Gatherings, Thank you Theresa for this.
You understand. Thank you for the re-blog and your kind words. And – you’re welcome!
Thank you! Have a really nice weekend Theresa!
I have always loved this quote from Michelangelo, and your words are the perfect counterbalance. “I am no longer a prisoner of my own making.” Oh, but how many of us are just that? Thank you for sharing this lovely piece… Lori
Your kind words are so appreciated; blessings…
this is so very beautiful and very touching.
I am glad this resonated with you…
Beautiful. I almost felt like I was breaking through the stone of the past and getting excited to be given a shot at the future, given a chance every day to be more compassionate and patient.
Love and blessings to my favorite – and only – son. Your words mean so much…
Beautiful – an exquisite building of tension to a powerful release. An truly wonderful and poignant piece of writing. I’m inspired! Peace . . .
With deep gratitude, Rising Hawk; your words always touch my heart.
Reblogged this on poetrycottage and commented:
Reblogged from Soul Gatherings … the moment of salvation captured with beautiful imagery.
Thank you for the re-blog.
This is absolutely beautiful … the words are alive and as one scrolls down, one can feel the stone released from burdens/afflictions/rebellion … and when He gives us His heart …
you’ve captured salvation in a stunning piece of artwork. In one year, I’ve never reblogged (on poetrycottage.wordpress.com); but I need to now. God bless.
I am honored. With gratitude and blessings to you…
How often do we lower our hands in waiting; lower our head in humility; lessen our pace in submission; cease from our words in honesty and await the arrival of His chisel and the stroking of His loving, smooth artisan’s hands.
Well said – thank you.
Thank you, Theresa, for making sure I got here. You are right, I needed to read that right now. There was a reason. The other day (on my other blog), I announced that I have been freed from the pit of depression. This is very much what it feels like to me. To be free once more is like being reborn. Thank you!!!!!!!! It is absolutely beautiful, my dear friend!!
I’m glad to share it with you at such an opportune time; joyful blessings sent your way…
But I do. And I can. Love Theresa
Blessings to you, Elisabeth…
Great piece of work Theresa.
Thank you, Laurie; your opinion matters…
A lovely journey of emergence and new life. You really had my attention all the way through. I even smelt the dust blown from the stone by Michelangelo. Wow!
Your kind words inspire me to write more; my thanks…
beautiful…:-)
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. Welcome.