Genesis of genius

A page from the exhibition program of Leonardo da Vinci: Experience, Experiment and Design, on through January 7 at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

For this week's Poetry Thursday, the prompt is "a poetry snapshot." Leonardo da Vinci wrote his notes and ideas in a backward script, which others could read only by holding the pages to a mirror. Leonardo was a mathematician, scientist and inventor, as well as a prolific artist. The last three years of his life were spent at Clos Luce, a beautiful chateau in Amboise, France. His studio and much of the original furnishings remain, along with models of his inventions.

The genesis of genius
evident in this strange backward script
holding a concave mirror to the soul
of this forward-thinking man
with myriad ideas for change

Keen observations and drawings in brown ink
on parchment in small notebooks
once bound with leather
curious truths spilling into the margins
crammed with excitement of discovery

Others have tried and failed to emulate
his practices and way of thinking
Seven Steps to Genius Everyday*
is one book's focus but complex theory
rarely translates to mere mortals

Only one Leonardo
the brilliant artist, thinker, inventor
far ahead of his time
who enriched the world's landscape
and captured Mona Lisa's smile

*How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Everyday by Michael Gelb

Comments

[Marilyn]

Great poem! Love the idea of the backward script...of a forward-thinking man.

[Catherine]

I remember travelling up to Auckland in the North Island about twenty years back for a Leonardo exhibition (I can calculate the date from the "bump" in my stomach in the photos!). It was well worth travelling to see. Hope you are having a great time in London.

[Amber]

And only one Tara! You have a talent for poems.

:)

[Deborah]

Beautiful tribute captured in your wonderfully poetic words. holding a concave mirror to the soul ...oooo that line gave me a thrill! xo, JP

[susan]

fantastic poem! i'll recall them when i visit the exhibit just 2 weeks from tomorrow!!
woo hoo!

[giggles]

What a treat, the poem evoked a sweet memory for me. My dad used to sing the song “Mona Lisa" every single morning while my mom was pregnant. She planned on naming me that....so he stopped singing the song. She called me Sherrie Leesa instead!! haha...
Irrelevant I know....tender moment for me... superb poem!

[Erin]

Bravo!
Exhibition looks great, too. Hope it travels after London...

[tinker]

How I would love to see that exhibit!
Centuries later, he continues to inspire so many in the world, as evidenced by your lovely poetic tribute.

xo

[Kamsin]

Wouldn't it be great if you could learn to be a genius in seven steps! Great poetry snapshot!

[Laura]

Leonardo IS so inspiring, Tara, and so you're now among the hosts of the inspired across all these years! I really would have loved to have seen this show with you.

[lisa(oceandreamer)]

I feel like I haven't commented here in ages but I do read it! This is a beautiful poem Tara! Everything you write is inspiring. How lucky to be in London...I long to get back to England. We've only seen London and a bit of Cambridge I want to see so much MORE. I had a very awe inspiring moment in Westminster Abbey when we were there. I hope to see and hear more about your trip.
XOXO

[ally bean]

Great poem. Good topic. Interesting photo.

And as one of the "mere mortals" mentioned in your poem, I can attest to the fact that How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Everyday "rarely translates." It confused me to no end.

[endment]

You have put together a inspired post
Thank you for letting us share

[berrie]

as I've stated over and over again tara* your words are extremely beautiful and thought provoking, you are doing exactly as you should be! sharing your true talents with us! Hope you're doing fabulous! XOXO

[Di]

Love this! :)