Leonardo brilliant light

came into a Tuscan night

insults rarely your way hurled

though born in to a bastard world.

 

Countryreared as little child

observing birdwings soaring wild

pitying young of sheep and goats

brutally butchered by cutting throats

eating meat did cause you gloom

'of other lives we become the tomb'

seeing caged birds snatched from tree

bought them all to set them free.

 

Enjoyed renown among the uplifted

kind and generous, handsome and gifted

comely with flowing hair and beard

bright coloured clothes some saw as weird

arbiter of elegance in palace masques

inventing but not concluding tasks

denounced by one so jealous of fame

for that love which dare not say its name.

 

The pretty lad whose chestnut curls

enchained your heart in auburn twirls

your 'little devil, glutton and thief'

but he on whom you gazed  so lief.

Salai stirred such great love in thee

that Monna Lisa was his fee.

Francesco pupil till death was true

who at your end received his due

The king of France desired your head

which at Amboise found its earthly bed.

 

Leonardo brilliant light

ever with greatness in your sight

your many talents to be unfurled

though born in to a bastard world

 

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