Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912.
George Pratt 1832–1875
George Pratt176 A Pen of Steel
G
Away with the gray goose-quill!
I will grave the thoughts I feel
With a fiery heart and will:
I will grave with the stubborn pen
On the tablets of the heart,
Words never to fade again
And thoughts that shall ne’er depart.
Hardened and bright and keen,— To run like the chariot wheel, When the battle-flame is seen:— And give me the warrior’s heart, To struggle thro’ night and day, And to write with this thing of art Words clear as the lightning’s play. The softer age is done, And the thoughts that lovers feel Have long been sought and won:— No more of the gray goose-quill— No more of the lover’s lay— I have done with the minstrel’s skill, And I change my path to-day. I will tell to after-times How nerve and iron will Are poured to the world in rhymes:— How the soul is changed to power, And the heart is changed to flame, In the space of a passing hour By poverty and shame! But even this shall rust, The touch of time shall feel, And crumble away to dust:— So perishes my heart, Corroding day by day— And laid like the pen apart, Worn out and cast away!