Scaffolding
Scaffolding
By Seamus Heaney
Masons, when they start upon a building,
Are careful to test out the scaffolding;
Make sure that planks won’t slip at busy points,
Secure all ladders, tighten bolted joints.
And yet all this comes down when the job’s done
Showing off walls of sure and solid stone.
So if, my dear, there sometimes seem to be
Old bridges breaking between you and me
Never fear. We may let the scaffolds fall
Confident that we have built our wall.
Seamus Heaney, 1939 - 2013
Editor’s Note.
Scaffolding was selected for our poetry series because it honors friendship and the strength of relationships.
I particularly enjoyed the simplicity and lyrical quality of these verses juxtaposed with the solidity of the “walls” behind them. We invite your comments about Scaffolding, as well as your suggestions for future featured poems.
