The poem
There was a man with tongue of wood Who essayed to sing, And in truth it was lamentable. But there was one who heard The clip-clapper of this tongue of wood And knew what the man Wished to sing, And with that the singer was content.
There was a man with tongue of wood
16War is Kind & Other Lines
Keep reading
Discover more of Stephen Crane’s poetry.
Readers
Reader discussion 1 comment
- Readers
- 1
- Longest reading
- Leisha56 words
I discovered Crane's poetry my first year of teaching, and he has become my favorite poet and this is my favorite poem. It expresses the longing we all have to be known and understood, despite our "wooden" attempts at communication. If we can find just one person who understands our halting, unbeautiful song, singing becomes worthwhile.