ON THE BRINK OF DEATH

by: Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564)

OW hath my life across a stormy sea

Like a frail bark reached that wide port where all

Are bidden, ere the final reckoning fall

Of good and evil for eternity.

Now know I well how that fond phantasy

Which made my soul the worshiper and thrall

Of earthly art, is vain; how criminal

Is that which all men seek unwillingly.

Those amorous thoughts which were so lightly dressed,

What are they when the double death is nigh?

The one I know for sure, the other dread.

Painting nor sculpture now can lull to rest

My soul that turns to His great love on high,

Whose arms to clasp us on the cross were spread.

• Michelangelo Buonarroti: Bibliography - A selected bibliography of the works of Michelangelo Buonarroti; includes a list of critical resources.
• Purchase books by Michelangelo Buonarroti
• Browse other poems on death