The Builders (Powerful Poetry)

The poem "The Builders" explores several profound themes, one of which centers on control and choice. Unlike many ancient philosophies where fate was governed by the gods, this poem suggests that we hold the power to shape our own destinies. This idea remains compelling—and controversial—even today. While we like to believe we make our own decisions, we are a product of our genetics, upbringing, environment, and education. So, how much of our choice is truly free, and how much is predetermined?

Another powerful theme is the importance of attention to detail. It’s a subtle yet essential lesson. What distinguishes a professional from an amateur, or a master craftsman from a novice, is often the level of care and precision they apply to their work, i.e., attention to detail. Shouldn’t we bring that same meticulous attention to the building of our own lives? Perhaps, in this context, it becomes even more vital.

Transcript

All are architects of fate,

Working in these walls of time,

Some with massive deeds and great,

Some with ornaments of rhyme.

Nothing useless is or low,

Each thing in its place is best,

And what seems but idle show,

Strengthens and supports the rest.

For the structure that we raise,

Time is with materials filled.

Our today's and yesterday's Are the blocks with which we build.

Truly shape and fashion these,

Leave no yawning gaps between.

Think not,

Because no man sees,

Such things will remain unseen.

In the elder days of art,

Builders wrought with greatest care,

Each minute and unseen part,

For the gods see everywhere.

Let us do our work as well,

Both the unseen and the seen.

Make the house where gods may dwell,

Beautiful,

Entire,

And clean.

Else our lives are incomplete,

Standing in these walls of time.

Broken stairways,

Where the feet Stumble as they seek to climb.

Build today,

Then,

Strong and sure,

With a firm and ample base,

And ascending and secure,

Shall to-morrow find its place.

Thus alone can we attain To those turrets where the eye Sees the world as one vast plane,

And one boundless reach of sky.