Two Builders

A builder builded a temple;

He wrought with care and skill;

Pillars and groins and arches

Were fashioned to meet his will;

And men said when they saw its beauty

"It shall never know decay.

Great is thy skill, oh builder,

Thy fame shall endure for aye."

A teacher builded a temple;

She wrought with skill and care;

Forming each pillar with patience,

Laying each stone with paryer.

None saw the unceasing effort;

None knew of the marvelous plan;

For the temple the teacher builded

Was unseen by the eyes of man.

Gone is the builder's temple;

Crumbled into the dust,

Pillar and groin and arches

Food for consuming rust;

But the temple the teacher builded

Shall endure while the ages roll;

For that beautiful, unseen temple

Was a Child's immortal soul.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN