after Simeon in the Temple,
Rembrandt, 1669
Fingers stretch
as if supplicating hands
are interrupted—
the answer placed
in his waiting arms.
Light glistens on his temple—
the mind consoled
by consolation’s burden.
Death takes the prophet;
takes the artist
before his painting is complete;
takes the one
already bearing sin’s stripes.
So certain are the words
“It is finished.”
Originally published in the anthology Adam, Eve, and the Riders of the Apocalypse: 39 Contemporary Poets on the Characters of the Bible, edited by D. S. Martin (Cascade, 2017). Used by permission of the poet.
Nellie deVries is a retired nurse and a poet from Michigan. Her debut book of poetry is forthcoming from Wipf & Stock in 2026.
Art & Theology 