MUSEUM PSALM

MUSEUM PSALM
(on “Le Christ à la colonne” by Antonello da Messina)

I almost found my soul in Art
Submitting it to hope –
A portrait set apart for Christ
Because He bore the rope –

He suffered for our victories
In gallery – in frame –
In masterpiece – a face I knew
Before I sought His name –

Near cabinets of tapered scripts
Confirming history –
Madonnas robed in clear pastels
Beside His majesty –

I almost lost myself in Pain
That sought a meek reply –
To paint a view of Paradise
Because He chose to die.

(29 August 2010, Pleasant Grove, Utah)