Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, NEW ENGLAND CAPITALIST, by RALPH WALDO EMERSON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

NEW ENGLAND CAPITALIST, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: What are his machines
Last Line: Now let him make a harp!
Subject(s): Capitalism; New England


What are his machines
Of steel, brass, leather, oak, & ivory,
But manikins & miniatures,
Dwarfs of one faculty, measured from him,
As nimbly he applies his bending self
Unto the changing world, thus making that
Another weapon of his conquering will?
He built the mills, & by his polities, made
The arms of millions turn them.

Stalwart New Hampshire, mother of men,
Sea-dented Maine, reluctant Carolina,
Must drag his coach, & by arts of peace
He, in the plenitude of love & honor,
Eats up the poor, -- poor citizen poor state.
Much has he done,
Has made his telegraph,
Propeller, car, postoffice, phototype,
His coast survey, vote by majority,
His life assurance, & star registry,
Preludes & hints of what he meditates; --
Now let him make a harp!





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net