38. Bitten by the wind

Bitten by the wind,

chewed by the years,

the wall changes expression

as time erodes.

Yet still you stand

as salt and sand

assail your pock-marked face.

And still you stand

though the builders

and the builders sons

lie in trampled graves.

And stand you will,

and stand you still,

when I have passed

and gone my way;

for you are stronger

and have still longer

to hold your vigil,

day by churning day.