The Bridge Builder
by Will Allen Dromgoole
An old man going on a lone highway,
Came at the evening cold and gray,
To a chasm vast and deep and wide.
Through which flowed a sullen tide
The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side
And built a bridge to span the tide.“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,
“You are wasting your strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day,
You never again will pass this way;
You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build this bridge at evening tide?”The builder lifted his old gray head;
“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“A youth followed after me today,
Whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me,
May be a pitfall to that fair‑haired youth;
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!”
Summary of The Bridge Builder
“The Bridge Builder” is a poignant poem by Will Allen Dromgoole, first published in 1900 within his collection A Builder. The poem tells the story of an elderly man who, after successfully crossing a dangerous chasm, chooses to build a bridge not for his own use but for those who will follow. This selfless act embodies the spirit of caring for future generations and making the world a little easier for those who come after us. The poem’s central idea revolves around the enduring legacy of kindness and the importance of considering the needs of others, even when we won’t directly benefit. It is a powerful reminder that true generosity lies in anticipating and addressing the challenges others may face.
In-Depth Analysis of The Bridge Builder
Stanza 1: Setting the Scene and Introducing the Builder
The first stanza masterfully establishes the setting and introduces the central figure. Lines like “An old man going on a lone highway” immediately evoke a sense of solitude and the approaching end of the day. This isn’t just a physical journey; it feels symbolic of life’s journey nearing its close. The “chasm vast and deep and wide” isn’t merely a geographical obstacle; it represents challenges and difficulties we all encounter. The description of the “sullen tide” adds to the sense of danger and foreboding. Notice the line “The sullen stream had no fear for him.” This indicates the old man possesses experience and resilience, having already overcome numerous obstacles in his life. However, it’s the subsequent action – “But he turned when safe on the other side and built a bridge to span the tide” – that truly defines his character. He doesn’t simply move on; he invests his energy in making the path easier for those who will follow. This immediately introduces the poem’s central theme of selfless service.
Stanza 2: The Challenge to Selflessness
The second stanza introduces a counterpoint to the builder’s actions. The “fellow pilgrim” questions the old man’s efforts, voicing practical concerns. “You are wasting your strength with building here; your journey will end with the ending day” highlights the perceived futility of the task. The pilgrim operates from a self‑centered perspective, unable to grasp the builder’s altruistic motives. He focuses on the immediate and personal: “You never again will pass this way.” This line emphasizes the pilgrim’s inability to see beyond his own lifespan. The rhetorical question, “Why build this bridge at evening tide?” encapsulates the pilgrim’s skepticism. He can’t understand why someone would expend energy on something they won’t personally benefit from. This stanza effectively presents a challenge to the idea of selfless service, forcing us to consider whether such actions are truly worthwhile.
Stanza 3: The Heart of the Poem: A Legacy of Kindness
The final stanza delivers the poem’s powerful message. The old man’s response is dignified and resolute. “The builder lifted his old gray head” demonstrates his wisdom and strength of character. His explanation is simple yet profound: “A youth followed after me today, whose feet must pass this way.” He’s not building the bridge for an abstract idea of future generations; he’s building it for a specific individual he knows will follow. The lines “This chasm that has been naught to me, may be a pitfall to that fair‑haired youth” highlight the importance of empathy and understanding. The builder recognizes that what is easy for him might be a significant challenge for another. The repetition of “Good friend” emphasizes the importance of human connection and shared responsibility. The final line, “Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!” is a triumphant declaration of selfless love and enduring kindness. The poem doesn’t just advocate for helping others; it celebrates the joy and fulfillment that come from doing so.
Literary and Poetic Devices
Imagery and Symbolism
Dromgoole skillfully employs imagery to create a vivid and engaging reading experience. The descriptions of the “chasm,” the “sullen tide,” and the “evening cold and gray” all contribute to a sense of atmosphere and emotional resonance. Symbolically, the bridge represents connection, hope, and the enduring legacy of kindness. The chasm represents the obstacles and challenges we face in life, while the tide signifies the inevitable passage of time. The old man himself symbolizes wisdom, experience, and self‑less dedication.
Alliteration, Assonance, and Consonance
Dromgoole utilizes sound devices to enhance the musicality and memorability of the poem. For example, the repetition of the s sound in “sullen stream” creates a sense of movement and fluidity. The repetition of the short e sound in “evening cold and gray” adds to the poem’s lyrical quality. Similarly, the repetition of the b sound in “built a bridge” creates a subtle emphasis.
Enjambment and Rhyme Scheme
The use of enjambment, where a phrase or sentence continues from one line to the next, creates a sense of flow and momentum. The poem’s ABAB rhyme scheme provides a sense of order and predictability. These poetic devices work together to create a polished and engaging reading experience. For instance, observe how the thought continues from “But he turned when safe on the other side” to “and built a bridge to span the tide,” creating a seamless transition.
Symbolism and Metaphor
Beyond the literal meaning, the poem is rich in symbolic and metaphorical layers. The “youth” represents not just a single individual, but all future generations. The act of building the bridge is a metaphor for leaving a positive legacy and making the world a better place. The poem encourages us to consider how our actions today will impact those who come after us.
Quotes for Reflection
These lines encapsulate the poem’s core message and are ideal for sparking discussions about kindness, legacy, and selfless service:
“A youth followed after me today, whose feet must pass this way.”
“This chasm that has been naught to me, may be a pitfall to that fair‑haired youth.”
“Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!”
“The Bridge Builder” is more than just a poem; it’s a timeless reminder that the greatest acts of kindness are often those performed for others, without expectation of reward. It encourages us to think beyond ourselves and consider how we can leave a positive legacy for future generations. By embracing the spirit of selfless service, we can all become bridge builders, connecting people and creating a better world.