(@3To Daniel H. Burnham, pioneer in city planning in America@1) He bade us make no little plans lest they Should fail for petty schemes possess no dower Of magic to enchant men's hearts and sway Their lives -- but dreamers of great dreams have power To raise a god or temple from the clay, Draw music from the trees and in a shower, Find rainbow tints which will not pass away But live for years beyond man's fleeting hour. He lived his creed and worked with fervency To raise an uncouth city from the mire; And countless places felt no destiny Until he gave them visions to inspire: He made no little plans for men to scorn But built for generations yet unborn. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EPITAPH IN A CHURCH-YARD IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA by AMY LOWELL THE BUNCH OF GRAPES by GEORGE HERBERT SPRING'S WELCOME, FR. ALEXANDER AND CAMPASPE by JOHN LYLY ELEGY BEFORE DEATH by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY SONNET TO HOPE by HELEN MARIA WILLIAMS |