What shall I do
with the wall?
The stones
have all fallen
to the ground,
as the mortar
by which each
was once bound
to the other
has wasted away;
should I, in bitter regret,
leave the stones
where they lie,
sacrificing not
a single bead of sweat
to rebuild
what has fallen,
what has failed,
a bitter truth
I cannot forget,
or should I gather the stones
and lather the stones
with new mortar,
binding each to each,
rebuilding the wall
until no proof remains
of the once-strong
barrier’s breach,
until I lie wearied
and smiling
upon the earth,
having traded places
with the derelict wall,
satisfied that though I am spent,
it is sturdy and tall?
