George Washington Doane Poetry

George Washington Doane (1799-1859) was a prominent Episcopal bishop in New Jersey, educator, and hymn writer. He founded St. Mary’s Hall and Burlington College, significantly contributing to church-controlled education and the High Church movement in America.

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Life Sculpture

‘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.

Chisel in hand stood a sculptor boy

With his marble block before him,

And his eyes lit up with a smile of joy,

As an angel-dream passed o’er him.

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