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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
VISION, by CHRISTIAN ERNST SCHNEIDER First Line: The chisel's deft twist and the mallet's tap, tap Last Line: "with ""vision"" that effort inspires." Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Marble; Sculpture & Sculptors; Vision; Work; Workers | |||
The chisel's deft twist and the mallet's tap, tap, Sent flying the chips here and there; As the sculptor with patience struck oft at the stone Hard working to answer his prayer. A vision had gripped that sculptor's great soul,— He saw a form hidden from sight, So worked with a will to uncover the form, And bring the fair image to light. When labor had ceased and in glory there stood That vision in marble enduring; 'Twas only because great skill had dislodged The chips that the form were obscuring. That artist created an image divine By clearing the waste stone away; The form that now pleases the soul and the eye For ages deep buried there lay. So each of us must with the help of our God Prune all that is false from the soul; Must constantly strike at wrong habits and thoughts, And make self-perfection the goal. The vision must be as exact and as real As that of the sculptor of stone; And the labor performed as constant and true As any by sculptor e'er known. A character firm and a manner most sweet Grows somewhat through ardent desires; But tireless work is the price of success With "vision" that effort inspires. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AFTER WORKING SIXTY HOURS AGAIN FOR WHAT REASON by HICOK. BOB DAY JOB AND NIGHT JOB by ANDREW HUDGINS BIXBY'S LANDING by ROBINSON JEFFERS ON BUILDING WITH STONE by ROBINSON JEFFERS LINES FROM A PLUTOCRATIC POETASTER TO A DITCH-DIGGER by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS IN CALIFORNIA: MORNING, EVENING, LATE JANUARY by DENISE LEVERTOV THE HEAVENS AT NIGHT by CHRISTIAN ERNST SCHNEIDER DIVIDE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON TO EMILIE BIGELOW HAPGOOD - PHILANTHROPIST by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON |
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