Deeply and long the sap must flow Ere the merest layer of elm can grow. Many a wave's recurrent shock Is needed to smooth the tiniest rock. Thousands of leaves must fade and fall To make the mold by the garden wall. Thus, as the patient seasons roll, Slowly is fashioned a human soul. Purpose and failure and purpose still, Steadily moved by a quiet will, -- Layer on layer in sturdy way, Hardly seen the growth of a day, -- Times of failure and fear and fall, But one strong tendency through it all, -- God and purpose and sun by sun Reach the stars before they are done! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE IYYOB TRANSLATION FROM 'A-15' by LOUIS ZUKOFSKY SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 41 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE WIND IN A FROLIC by WILLIAM HOWITT THE DARK ANGEL by LIONEL PIGOT JOHNSON THE LADY OF SHALOTT by ALFRED TENNYSON THE VILLAGE MUNITIONS CO., INC.; FORMERLY THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS LOST ART by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH |