Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

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    I

    Arise, O master artist of the age,
    And paint the picture which at once shall be
    Immortal art and bless'd prophecy.
    The bruised vision of the world assuage;
    To earth's dark book add one illumined page,
    So scintillant with truth, that all who see
    Shall break from superstition and stand free.
    Now let this wondrous work thy hand engage.
    The mortal sorrow of the Nazarene,
    Too long has been faith's symbol and its sign;
    Too long a dying Saviour has sufficed.
    Give us the glowing emblem which shall mean
    Mankind awakened to the Self Divine;
    The living emblem of the Radiant Christ.

    II

    Too long the crucifix on Calvary's height
    Has cast its shadow on the human heart.
    Let now Religion's great co-worker Art,
    Limn on the background of departing night,
    The shining Face all palpitant with light,
    And God's true message to the world impart.
    Go tell each toiler in the home and mart,
    'Lo, Christ is with ye, if ye seek aright.'
    The world forgets the vital word Christ taught;
    The only word the world has need to know:
    The answer to creation's problem - Love.
    The world remembers what the Christ forgot;
    His cross of anguish and His death of woe;
    Release the martyr, and the Cross remove!

    III

    For now the former things have passed away,
    And man, forgetting that which lies behind,
    And ever pressing forward, seeks to find
    The prize of his high calling.    Send a ray
    From art's bright sun to fortify the day,
    And blaze the trail to every mortal mind.
    The new religion lies in being kind;
    Faith stands and works, where once it knelt to pray;
    Faith counts its gain, where once it reckoned loss;
    Ascending paths its patient feet have trod;
    Man looks within, and finds salvation there.
    Release the suffering Saviour from the Cross,
    And give the waiting world its Radiant God.

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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a profound exploration of religious transition and the role of art in redefining religious symbols. It is divided into three sections, each advancing a different aspect of the overarching theme. The poet appeals to an unnamed "master artist of the age" to create an artwork that can challenge established religious symbols and inspire spiritual freedom in humanity.

The first section contrasts the traditional representation of Christ as a suffering saviour with the poet's desire for a symbol of divine self-empowerment. The second section criticises the crucifix, a symbol of pain and suffering, for casting a shadow upon the human heart. Instead, the poet suggests a representation of Christ that highlights love as "the answer to creation's problem". The final section emphasizes the shift from traditional religious practices towards a more inward, personal spirituality. The tone is hopeful, empowering, and progressive, signalling a movement away from past sorrow towards a brighter future.

The structure of the poem, comprising three sonnets, reflects the poem's thematic progression, while the use of religious and artistic imagery underscores the poem's themes and contributes to its evocative power. The repeated call to "release the suffering Saviour from the Cross" is a powerful refrain that reinforces the poem's central message of spiritual liberation and renewal.