A Tear And A Smile: Bodo by Mark Montovio

A Tear & A Smile

by Khalil Gibran

The Beauty Of Death:

Part 1- The Calling

Let me sleep, for my soul is intoxicated with love and

Let me rest, for my spirit has had its bounty of days and nights;

Light the candles and burn the incense around my bed, and

Scatter leaves of jasmine and roses over my body;

Embalm my hair with frankincense and sprinkle my feet with perfume,

And read what the hand of Death has written on my forehead.

Let me rest in the arms of Slumber, for my open eyes are tired;

Let the silver-stringed lyre quiver and soothe my spirit;

Weave from the harp and lute a veil around my withering heart.

Sing of the past as you behold the dawn of hope in my eyes, for

It's magic meaning is a soft bed upon which my heart rests.

Dry your tears, my friends, and raise your heads as the flowers

Raise their crowns to greet the dawn.

Look at the bride of Death standing like a column of light

Between my bed and the infinite;

Hold your breath and listen with me to the beckoning rustle of

Her white wings.

Come close and bid me farewell; touch my eyes with smiling lips.

Let the children grasp my hands with soft and rosy fingers;

Let the ages place their veined hands upon my head and bless me;

Let the virgins come close and see the shadow of God in my eyes,

And hear the echo of His will racing with my breath.

The words written on 23 year old Bodo by photographer Mark Montovio are not just the beginning of the 1914 poem, they were the beginnings of getting to know the work of Lebanese artist, poet and writer Khalil Gibran.

Some of you might recognize Bodo whom I profile back in 2010 as he was getting ready for Manhunt International. Bodo, a firm favourite throughout the nine day programme leading to the final in Taiwan, ended up as the 1st runner up and also took the award for best Runway model. Thanks to Mark Montovio from Mount Photography for sharing the images with FH!