Built By Hand

As if in opposition it stood Like a distress call from a precarious time Juxtaposed perpendicular to an open grass laden field A horizontal girder of ominous warning A marker of trespass. Abandoned, it was kept secret for many years I have stumbled upon this inherent passage in time. This parapet before me stirred with its meaning Buttressed with elements of wood and mortared stone Proclaiming an unwavering and perilous destiny Pounded by the courage of the hands that erected it Providing an uncertain shelter for those inside its borders A mystery of history-a salutation to the lives huddled Around the fires that embodied the journey to reach this place Escaping from the barriers that withheld their freedom and independency Coming to forge new barriers of their choosing To instill what had perished and opportunities they had lost Perhaps the storyline of these settlers from a thousand miles to the east Traveled a thousand dangerous and imperiled miles To establish the same rights and sovereignty As the promise given to this great country and those who live within This was the homeland of a thousand dreams To claim, to build a fortress for living our treasured values. A monument and testament to the depth of their hearts A proclamation to the enduring spirit in their hands October 11, 2020 A Wall In The Woods Poetry Contest Sponsored by Craig Cornish