Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LINES TO A WELDER, by ERIS GOFF


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LINES TO A WELDER, by                    
First Line: I saw a god at work with flame and metal
Last Line: A life more useful shapes beneath the flame.
Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers


I saw a god at work with flame and metal,
With arms like bronzed and pliable steel bands.
His eyes are dreamy blue and fill with laughter
While iron is forged beneath his flame and hands.

He tilts his head with boyish abandon
And lifts his eyes; within their depths I see
The joy and wealth of all the world imprisoned
Behind their mote of blue away from me.

Apollo, restless spirit, have you riven
The ages like some undine to environ
The soul of him who moves the flaming torches
Along the broken line to mend the iron?

You loved and dreamed of flame, youth, music, poetry,
Dream on within his heart for dreams will fire
New beauty and reshape like flame the metal,
Passion to love, of which he shall not tire.

Along the line of life we hold the torches
Of love and faith and courage. If the aim
Be steadfast and the heart be filled with gladness,
A life more useful shapes beneath the flame.





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