We Play at Paste,
transformation
art & creativity
lyric poem
austere
We play at paste, Till qualified for pearl, Then drop the paste, And deem ourself a fool. The shapes, though, were similar, And our new hands Learned gem-tactics Practising sands.
We Play at Paste, - meaning Summary
Imitation and Self-deception
This short poem uses the metaphor of paste (imitation) and pearl (authenticity) to explore self-perception and learning. Speakers discard their earlier pretenses and feel foolish, only to realize the outward forms were much the same. The final image—hands mastering "gem-tactics" by practicing on sand—suggests skill, adaptation, and the gradual work of becoming genuine rather than an instant change in worth.
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