Rampart of Stone

Within the woods, stood a wall of stone
molded by hands from a distant time.
Though roughly hewn, it had endured.

What narratives could it tell of its past,
this ancient bulwark,  built to last?
My fingers traced each pitted wound.

I wondered as to the tragic fate
of one missing mortared rock.
I dared to peer inside the hollow;
the scent of age overpowered me.

A sudden dizziness rattled my senses
with a brief glimpse of a long ago battle
when weapons pricked the rampart's bulk.

This bastion had served as a battlement,
a barricade between differences of opinions.
Was the victory worth the lives forsaken?
Because of it, were families torn apart?

With need to offer words of compensation.
I paid homage to the unyielding wall, 
whispering, "Stand strong, brave soldier."


October 6, 2020 ~ A Wall in the Woods
Craig Cornish ~ Sponsor
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Callus Avatar
October 18, 2020 at 1:40 PM
I love your take on the 'wall' topic, Jenna, and the ending reflects homage & appreciation. Congratulations on your fine win...it's not easy to make the grade in Craig's contests :) Regards // paul
Rodrigues Avatar
October 17, 2020 at 8:15 AM
Ooh so far I like this one the best! I love the thought of time travel, if only in the mind’s eye. You brought me there and made me feel something... “My fingers traced each pitted wound.” Congratulations, Jenna and a fave for me!
Fowler Avatar
October 17, 2020 at 7:00 AM
Back to say Congratulations on the win Jenna! Linda
Kauffman Avatar
October 16, 2020 at 9:50 PM
Sometimes an object, like a wall, can ellicit a picture of history. Wonderful take on the theme, Jenna. Congratulations on your placement the winners list.
Fowler Avatar
October 7, 2020 at 7:47 AM
This is terrific Jenna! Indeed the Civil War soldiers, both sides, built several of stone walls as strategic defense. Very well-penned. Good luck with this winning piece, Linda
Logan Avatar
October 7, 2020 at 1:16 PM
Thanks for your encouragement, Linda.
Gondolf Avatar
October 7, 2020 at 6:36 AM
A wonderful take on this challenge, Jenna, nicely done. Yes, a wall in the middle of the woods would have many stories to tell. Best of luck in the contest. Hugs.
Logan Avatar
October 7, 2020 at 1:15 PM
Thanks so much for your kind support.
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