The Artist

 All day with brow of anxious thought
 The dictionary through,
Amid a million words he sought
 The sole one that would do.
He wandered on from pub to pub
 Yet never ceased to seek
With burning brain and pencil stub
 The Word Unique.

Said he: 'I'll nail it down or die.
 Oh Heaven help me, pray!'
And then a heavy car dashed by,
 And he was in the way.
They rushed him to the hospital,
 And though his chance was bleak,
He cried: 'I'll croak, but find I shall
 The Word Unique.'

They reckoned he was off his head,
 And could be it was so;
For as they bent above his bed
 He mumbled soft and low.
And then a name they heard him speak,
 Yet did not deem it odd . . .
At last he'd found the Word Unique,--
 Just God.

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace