Classic Poem

There was a doctor once—an eccentric man
I should imagine—as all men aver.
He was in his day a skilful bonesetter.
He in his heart conceived a mighty plan:
‘It is equation tells us what to do,
The Unknown quantity shall still prevail.
I will enquire of measure and of scale
And mutter algebras the whole night through.’
Says he, ‘I'll make a golden skeleton
Clothed in men's flesh … from many an ancient bone …
And all the glittering coins that shine and run
And caper in men's pockets shall be One.
And they shall shine as beautiful and still
As stars reflected in a crystal hill.
The Tree of Life towers tall and lovely. How
Shall he be cursed that breaks the golden bough!’
But they who love not wholeness still divide
The seamless garment when the Lord has died.