George Washington Doane Poems

Life Sculpture

by George Washington Doane

‘Life Sculpture’ by George Washington Doane is a poem heavily symbolic poem about realizing one’s true potential and purpose in life.

This poem by George Washington Doane isn't novel in its subject matter, themes, or expression of either. It's also heavily indebted to the Episcopal faith the author was guided by (a doctrine he also used to support slavery). But read as a poem about an individual discovering their purpose, using the image of a sculptor carving stone — though today a tad trite — doesn't mean it's still not a compelling one.

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