Scaffolding

Heaney uses the work of masons to highlight the care, time, and devotion that individuals must have in their relationships—whether those relationships exist between lovers, family members or friends. Just as masons “test out the scaffolding” (Line 2), individuals must be willing to test the security of their human connections. Humans must ensure “that planks won’t slip at busy points” (Line 3). In terms of relationships, they should make sure their connections with others remain strong despite the mundanities and trials of daily life. They should make certain that daily interactions with their loved ones aren’t taken for granted. Just as masons “secure all ladders” (Line 4), individuals must check in with their loved ones, assess where they are at in their relationship, and be prepared to build upon these connections and take them to the next level. Masons need to “tighten bolted joints” (Line 4) of the scaffolding. Humans need to know what works and what doesn’t work in their relationships, and when they find something going well, they need to focus their time and energy on those areas to strengthen and “tighten” (Line 4) them. They must build from their strengths.

With all of these steps, with all of this care and devotion, relationships can grow and mature.