FACTORY windows are always broken.
Somebody’s always throwing bricks,
Somebody’s always heaving cinders,
Playing ugly Yahoo tricks.

Factory windows are always broken.
Other windows are let alone.
No one throws through the chapel-window
The bitter, snarling, derisive stone.

Factory windows are always broken.
Something or other is going wrong.
Something is rotten–I think, in Denmark.
End of factory-window song.

Analysis, meaning and summary of Vachel Lindsay's poem Factory Windows are Always Broken

4 Comments

  1. Broken Factory windows in 21st century America, are reflected in the myriad of social movements….Me Too, Black Lives Matter, The Women’s Movement, Alt Right, etc. Something is indeed rotten, and not just in Denmark.

  2. Frank says:

    This poet voices the love / hate relationship craft employees have for their work. Having a job is better than not having one. Being ordered around is not welcomed however.Maybe throwing a brick through the window on the way home from the Pub some night will even the score. They will not know who did it, so there will be no punishment. Sweet revenge.

  3. kAVITA HARRIPERSAD. says:

    Yours poems are really enjoyable it is fun reading them.

  4. Phil says:

    A simple poem brilliantly observed. The poets humour and light touch not lost on a schoolboy factory window stone thrower, 40 years ago. A wonderful introduction to this most talented and under-recognised 20th century great.

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