Becoming David
From a solid piece of marble weighing over 9 tonnes to what is considered one of the most beautiful artistic creations of all time: this is the journey of 'Becoming David'.
Michelangelo was the third sculptor to be awarded the commission, which was originally granted to Agostino di Duccio nine years before Michelangelo's birth.
Michelangelo began his work on Il Gigante in 1501 and completed it on 8 June 1504.
This poem is written in the voice of David.
I was once a monolithHeavy, hard and plainEnvironment had made me thusNo thought, or sense or pain Earth made me, impenetrable Never moved, no way to feelSuch greatness was I destined for So cold as stone, and yet so real Born from such dualityFrom rock I am now manThe greatest hands will shape meAnd make me who I am I'm becoming DavidNo longer am I stone No longer am I weatheredNever will I stand alone No mirror will portray meNo clothes will wear my ageCathedrals will not host meNo theatre will I stage Instead a gallery surrounds meWhere I tower over GodYou may call me DavidToward my head you may well nod I will not perform for youI will only move your mindSometimes those, who blessed with eyesAre those who be most blind Hands may feel each ounce of meThe breadth and length of solid rockLet hands be eyes and hold meLet not our time be on a clock For I am mighty DavidOf timeless might of might I'm madeNever will my being Be rewound or me betrayed Perfection in my structureDelicate in my frameEvery yard of rocky flesh Speaks beauty in its name Each inch and ounce and sinewWhich makes my body glowIs everything my master madeMy Michaelangelo