The Statue
written by: Ian Fletcher
The old master carved
the tortured limbs
and anguished face
from the unforgiving stone.
Christ on the cross
came from his very soul
he who had witnessed
war, famine, massacres
and the plague
that had taken
his devoted wife
and dearest daughter
his whole life seeming
one long crucifixion.
He cursed the God
that had forsaken him
and the worldly bishop
who had commissioned
this sacred artifact
for the new cathedral.
Tired, sick, and spent
he died a few days
after it was finished.
For centuries since
visitors have stood
in awe of his creation
that speaks of suffering
and, to some, redemption.
Born and raised in Cardiff, Wales, Ian has an MA in English from Oxford University. He lives in Taiwan with his wife, two daughters and cat. He teaches English in a high school. He has had poems and short stories published in Duane’s PoeTree, Tuck Magazine, Best Poetry, The Ekphrastic Review, 1947 A Literary Journal, Spillwords Press, Dead Snakes, Your One Phone Call, Schlock! Webzine, Short-story.me, Literary Yard, Indian Periodical, Anotherealm, Under the Bed, A Story In 100 Words, Poems and Poetry, Friday Flash Fiction, The Drabble, and in various anthologies.
Latest posts by Ian Fletcher (see all)
- Golden Boy - July 8, 2024
- Sic Transit - April 19, 2024
- The Statue - September 5, 2023
