Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE WEAVER, by EVA GORE-BOOTH Poet's Biography First Line: I was the child that passed long hours away Last Line: That some vain men have made for vain mankind. Alternate Author Name(s): Selina | ||||||||
I was the child that passed long hours away Chopping red beetroot in the hay-piled barn; Now must I spend the wind-blown April day Minding great looms and tying knots in yarn. Once long ago I tramped through rain and slush, In brown waves breaking up the stubborn soil, I wove and wove the twilight's purple hush To fold about the furrowed heart of toil. Strange fire and frosts burnt out the seasons' dross; I watched slow Powers the woven cloth reveal, While God stood counting out His gain and loss, And Day and Night pushed on the heavy wheel. Held close against the breast of living Powers-- A little pulse, yet near the heart of strife, I followed the slow plough for hours and hours, Minding through sun and shower the loom of life. The big winds, harsh and clear and strong and salt, Blew through my soul and all the world rang true, In all things born I knew no stain or fault, My heart was soft to every flower that grew. The cabbages in my small garden patch Were rooted in the earth's heart; wings unseen Throbbed in the silence under the dark thatch, And brave birds sang long ere the boughs were green. Once did I labour at the living stuff That holds the fire, the water and the wind; Now do I weave the garments coarse and rough That some vain men have made for vain mankind. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A MOMENT'S INSIGHT by EVA GORE-BOOTH IN THE PINEWOODS by EVA GORE-BOOTH ON VIEWING A STATUE OF DAVID by EVA GORE-BOOTH SAINT PATRICK by EDWIN MARKHAM THE DYING WORDS OF STONEWALL JACKSON by SIDNEY LANIER BORDER BALLAD [OR MARCH, OR SONG], FR. THE MONASTERY by WALTER SCOTT |
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