"The Craftsman" by Marcus B. Christian

Marcus B. Christian lived from 1900-1976. A poet and educator, he was well known in his home state of Louisiana for his extensive knowledge of African American history, his impressive collections of poetry, and his involvement working at Dillard University and the University of New Orleans (where he taught both English and history).

The Craftsman
by Marcus B. Christian

I ply with all the cunning of my art 
This little thing, and with consummate care
I fashion it—so that when I depart,
Those who come after me shall find it fair
And beautiful. It must be free of flaws—
Pointing no laborings of weary hands;
And there must be no flouting of the laws
Of beauty—as the artist understands.

Through passion, yearnings infinite—yet dumb—
I lift you from the depths of my own mind
And gild you with my soul’s white heat to plumb
The souls of future men. I leave behind
This thing that in return this solace gives:
“He who creates true beauty ever lives.”




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