Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SOOT by HENRIETTE CLARKE

First Line: IT WAS TRUE, THE PLANT WAS CLOSED
Last Line: NOW PRAYED FOR A SMUDGE OF SOOT.
Subject(s): FACTORIES;
It was true, the plant was closed. . . .
Smoke belched no more from the tall straight stacks.
It seemed impossible to get away from the sight
Of their cold reminder of want.
Relief -- with always someone hungry till the soul
As well as the body grew shrivelled and hopeless.
A man could not stay in the house.
A woman, remembering her anger at smoke-smeared clothes,
Now prayed for a smudge of soot.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net