Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BUILDINGS TORN DOWN', by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BUILDINGS TORN DOWN', by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A savage business! Ruin of the past
Last Line: Because a sturdy vandal dared destroy
Subject(s): Buildings; Vandalism


A savage business! Ruin of the past.
The wreck of roofs, the ignominious fall
Of lofty tower and well-knitted wall.
Strength, use, and beauty to oblivion cast.

A dangerous business! Ply the pick too fast,
Press too impatiently the structure tall,
And this your ravage will become your pall,
Destroyed and the destroyer one at last.

And yet a hopeful business! In that place
Waiting and clean another wall will rise,
And other windows flash a morning grace.
And other towers dream into the skies;

And all the years will know a larger Joy
Because a sturdy Vandal dared destroy.





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