Why Michelangelo's poetry deserves more recognition

In the exploration of Michelangelo's poetry, the reader discovers a deep reflection on love and beauty that transcends mere physicality. His poems, particularly the notable works such as Poem 83 and Poem 105, illustrate the journey of the soul as it moves from an adoration of earthly beauty towards a profound love of the Creator. Michelangelo articulates this evolution, emphasizing that while earthly allure may initially captivate the senses, it is the spiritual beauty that ultimately resonates on a deeper level with the soul. In Poem 83, Michelangelo addresses Tommaso dei Cavalieri, communicating how love elevates the soul toward God, and how the beauty of human form, when understood in a sacred context, serves as a gateway to divine appreciation. The poet's verses suggest an inherent connection between physical beauty and the divine, asserting that True beauty must be perceived through a spiritual lens. In Poem 105, the theme of divine love is further developed as Michelangelo indicates that the interaction with divine beauty surpasses all mortal comprehension. The speaker claims that when the essence of beauty is truly understood, one finds not just the allure of the earthly, but the reflection of God's likeness within the soul. This assertion speaks to the artist's belief that everyone is intrinsically linked to God, with a shared divine aspect waiting to be recognized by the lover's perception. Michelangelo's poetry proves that earthly attachments can either bind the soul or elevate it, determined by the depth of one's understanding and the purity of love. Moreover, the exploration of love continues in Poem 62, where the sense of loss highlights the enduring nature of the beloved's essence. The poet reflects on the death of Colonna, lamenting that her virtue cannot shine from beyond this life. Yet through faith, he perceives the immortal beauty hidden by the confines of mortality, suggesting that love allows for a connection that survives beyond physical existence. This emphasizes Michelangelo's belief that while wild desire can eclipse the divine, True love elevates both the lover and the beloved, aligning them closer to divine essence. Throughout Michelangelo's work, faith plays an essential role in the journey towards understanding and embracing divine love. His poetry reveals how the pursuit of beauty and love is intrinsically linked to the recognition of a higher power, marking the soul's trajectory towards eternal bliss. Thus, Michelangelo's legacy extends beyond his artistic masterpieces, offering profound insights into the connection between beauty, love, and divinity, compelling readers to reflect on their own spiritual paths.