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I found this rather obscure poem by William Golding (author of Lord of the Flies) and feel that it hides a great deal of meaning and symbolism. After all, Golding was known for being one of the most symbolic writers of all time.
This one makes you think, but they're always better that way. I wonder what the two names about halfway down symbolize? What is he trying to say about life and man's nature?
The Light Bulb Man
In a little-known town,
On a little-known street,
A man continued to frown,
Unable to reach that unreachable feat.
You see, this man manufactured light.
Yet as a light bulb maker never should,
He had only illuminated his plight;
Not one photon had his eyes withstood.
Thus it was his timeless quest--
Without end, without mend.
His vision, while he passed inevitably from East to West,
Became of a mountain, on the ground condemned.
Then one day came Withrow,
And Derrick shortly after.
In no time at all their bulbs came aglow;
But in light’s shadow there is no mirthful laughter.
Yet with a shrug of his shoulders,
And in his eyes a new glimmer,
He turned, his passion not colder,
Back to his work, his dream slightly dimmer.
Perhaps he was making no progress,
Or perhaps he was getting the knack--
He simply couldn't guess.
Yet day after day, he kept coming back.
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