The Sandcastle

Yes, the boy continued working as people ran on by - kicking up the sun-dried sand which stung his little eye. The beach was full of castles, sand castles great and tall. The artists had great patience as the crowd was held in awe. Now some were very stately and some were built quite lean - but artists built their castles where they could be well seen. Castles grand and beautiful – some poised to win a place – detailed touches serious from top down to the base. While all the crowd was standing 'round still watching and amazed - the judge looked ever critical with eyebrow often raised. But then a storm came blowing by collapsing every wall. The crowd was stunned – wave after wave had toppled one and all... except for one sand castle which stood above the rest. It was not much to look at but – withstood the final test. Away from wicked, stormy seas it stood back from the shore. Though storm had sent its wicked waves it could have handled more. Yes, every great sand castle was crushed and so outdone - all tested hard with crashing waves that could not reach this one. Its walls were not the straightest - but safely from the sea - t'was built alone so humbly and stood there faithfully. That young boy sat beside it not really that obsessed – when someone started yelling, "Hey! This one beats the rest!” The crowd all pushed and gathered ‘round - saw that castle standing. They stood there so astonished, but said not anything. The judge pushed ever closer - then saw the little boy - who humbly built his castle where the waves could not destroy. He roared loud his announcement, “This is the perfect size!” and then he leaned right over and awarded him First Prize. But the boy continued working as people ran on by - kicking up the sun-dried sand which stung his little eye. ©2010 louis gander - www.ganderpoems.org