"The many sow, but only the chosen reap"
The opening line of the poem is a stark expression of inequality conveyed through the use of imagery. To sow means to plant; it is a metaphor for labor of all types. To reap means to enjoy the benefits that labor produces. The speaker is providing commentary on inequality in society by pointing out how it is also fundamentally unfair. The implication of the subtext is that if those who reaped labored in the sowing, inequality would not be quite as egregious. The critique is directed toward the conditions which allow only a few to profit from the sweat of the many without having to work hard themselves for the privilege.
"Yours is no fairy gift, no heritage
Without travail, to which weak wills aspire"
With this reference to a gift, any ambiguity about the identity of the father of the title is cleared away. The poet is addressing himself to God the father, not a parent. These lines address God as the creator deity who gave mankind free will. The context of the poem suggests that it is the degree to which free will is exercised by humanity that results in inequality and oppression. These results, in return, demonstrate the lack of perfection endowed to them by their creator. The specific reference to “fairy gift” is suggestive of God being a practical deity rather than one fashioned according to the wishes of mankind. Ironically, it is actually an assertion of optimism (and democratic values as well) since it carries the existential thread of believing that life is what one makes of it. The opportunity (rather than gift) which God has bestowed is the opportunity for improvement it has been made equitably available to all with only one condition. That condition is the requirement of a willingness to work hard. It is there as a potential and a possibility only, however, and there should be no expectation that the hardest working will necessarily reap the greatest benefits.
"So has the shyest of your dreams come true,
Built not of sand, but of the solid rock"
The general consensus on the interpretation of these lines is that “shyest” refers explicitly to slavery. This is the level of an origination point of heritage from which it would be the hardest to rise to the next level. But even here the speaker is expressing optimism that it may be possible. To rise from slavery to a point to ensure a greater heritage for one’s children is an ambition seemingly beyond all rational hope. Thus, one would naturally “shy” away from such dreams. The imagery of building up from rock rather than sand is a commentary on the necessity of the solidity of hope. The solidity of hope becomes essential because hope built upon the soft foundation of sand is too easy to collapse.
