In the past, the leisured class
Would have time to feed their minds
In this place of tall bookshelves,
Whilst servants, unseen, would cook and clean.
And the workmen who built this place of stone?
Their names are unknown,
But perhaps a thoughtful member of the upper class
Thought on those who toiled
And oiled the machine
As he sat at his books.
And knew the whole would collapse
Where not each man to play his part
In maintaining the machine.
—
This poem was sparked by a recent visit to Cardiff Castle’s Library https://www.cardiffcastle.com/rooms/library/
K Morris - Poet 