Gargoyles

A NUGGET FROM A MINE. A MINER laboured in a mine. (The poet dreamed) By coarse and fine He shovelled dust into a trolley. ‘* But this” (the poet said) ‘‘ is folly! Take up your pick, engage in shock At the foundation of the rock!” The miner swore. ‘* You —— fool! You clever ! go to school And college and be ——-! Strike you! There ain’t no sense in forty like you! If I don’t clear this muck, the pick Will foul and jam, slip, swerve, or stick. Clear off the chips, the blow goes true. Now, mister, off, my to you!” The last oath faded in the air. The poet woke and was aware 33