Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PORTRAIT OF A MACHINE, by LOUIS UNTERMEYER


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PORTRAIT OF A MACHINE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: What nudity is beautiful as this
Last Line: Become the slave of what his slaves create.
Alternate Author Name(s): Lewis, Michael
Subject(s): Machinery And Machinists; Perfection


WHAT nudity is beautiful as this
Obedient monster purring at its toil;
These naked iron muscles dripping oil
And the sure-fingered rods that never miss.
This long and shining flank of metal is
Magic that greasy labor cannot spoil;
While this vast engine that could rend the soil
Conceals its fury with a gentle hiss.

It does not vent its loathing, does not turn
Upon its makers with destroying hate.
It bears a deeper malice; lives to earn
Its master's bread and laughs to see this great
Lord of the earth, who rules but cannot learn,
Become the slave of what his slaves create.





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