A winged Apollo flies
suspended from stars
a full universe away
and yet, remains
as custodian
of this place of the dead,
a guardian hovering above
those who learn here.
Apollo, God of the Sun,
light and truth,
music and medicine,
poetry and prophecy,
acts
as silent witness
to this transfer
of sacred knowledge
deeper than skin,
exposing bone and beyond,
a great gift to the living
from one
who lies life-less.
Encircled by gratitude,
due and dealt respect
even though exposed
on cold, white marble,
is wondrously able to touch
others
who in death
makes an impact
on lives still unfolding,
whose legacy teaches the living
how to help and
hope to heal.
— Bologna, Italy, Inspired by visiting the oldest university in which anatomy was first taught.
Footnotes
Dr. Frager is the author of Signs of Life: Images Formed from Words and Clay, Pottersfield Press, 2018.
This article has been peer reviewed.