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
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.
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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.