The Spear Bearer Ekphrastic Poem inspired by Polykleitos ’ Doryphoros ( c . 450-440 B . C . E .)
The Spear Bearer Ekphrastic Poem inspired by Polykleitos ’ Doryphoros ( c . 450-440 B . C . E .)
I feel the cold stone bench beneath me and the people to my side , pushing for a better view . A horn sounds , and I hear the shouting and cheering of the crowd in the grand arena encircling the desolate ground , where he stands still , poised , awaiting his turn .
He puts his right foot forward and starts to advance , spear in hand . The other competitors ’ sweat glistens in the light of the glaring sun , but not his . He is expressionless . He doesn ’ t smile . He doesn ’ t sweat . He is undisturbed by the roaring of the crowd , unaffected by the jeering of his opponents . He stays focused on the task at hand , unwilling to be distracted .
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