SONNET ON POETRY

A poet may be sculptor,  modeller

Or both—depending on their temperament,

Distinguished by technique,  affinity

To what attracts each one,  or what is meant

Within the figure freed and chiselled from

The rock;  or what is made by moulding clay

With careful trowel until a form has come

To bear an impress,  and to signify.

Shakespeare mastered both these tools—his chisel

Keenly-edged,  his trowel bright-inlaid with gold—

While Dante carved figures from rich marble,

Giving them a vibrant life.  By right he held

A diamond chisel:  and peerless diamond

Leapt from it—diamond begetting diamond.

~ Stanley ~