Michelangelo's Sonnet LXV

Did you know that Michelangelo, the famous sculptor and painter, was also a poet? Last year I came across this sonnet, "Sonnet LXV"  — rendered in a masterful free translation by 19th century pastor Robert Chapman — which Michelangelo wrote near the end of his life. I have loved it ever since.

My life, a voyage o'er a tempestuous sea

In a frail bark, draws near the common end

Of all men. I, as others, must descend

Into the grave. What profit now to me

Pencil or chisel? Where the gain to be

In highest art a monarch? Can I bend

God's sin-avenging justice to befriend

My helpless soul that would of guilt be free?

Nor saints nor angels can my ransom give

From the two deaths that are before mine eyes –

The first at hand: the twain my righteous doom –

But on the cross, the sinner to receive

God's Son spread out His hands. He hears my cries;

To Him I look and triumph o'er the tomb.

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