The great wall

THE GREAT WALL So steep the climb, irregular steps, Worn with the passage of time, Millions of feet have passed before, Here, at last, I pass two more. Breathless, hug the wall so close, Concentrate on that climb, This step so narrow, that so high, Climb to where the clouds meet sky. The top at last!, Eyes closed tight, Breathing shallow and fast, Dare to look, to view this treasure? See ghosts from the distant past? A tiny peep, such wonder, Stretched out, to where skies begin, Great Wall of China, my sacred dream, Achievement, fulfillment within. Eyes close again, breath in the past, A distant tinkling bell, A hum!, then voices echoing, Rising to a mighty swell. In visions eye, bright colours, Bearded, wild eyed warriors near, Mongolian hordes, from northern reaches, Slaying mercilessly, as the wall breaches. Thousands upon thousands, see them there, Flashing swords, knives held bare, Battling, with war cry sounds, For the treasure of China's Empirical grounds. Vision slowly fades, from the fray, Another picture enters in, Chattering voices, foreign to these ears, When building does begin. Hustling and bustling, hauling stones, Cutting blocks to fit, Sad oppressed eyes, frames so delicate, Working, straining against the whip. Hark! Women ululating, wailing, Back to yet another war, Bodies piled upon bodies, Each one gorier than before. Eyes wide open,search that view, Find peace from this turret on high. The Wall continues onward, Marching boldly towards the sky. Mountainous rugged terrain, Harsh, yet a soft beauty, The glories and pain, of the now, and then, It does reveal to me. China, wondrous country, Emperors, Warlords, Peasantry, An ancient and noble culture, Preserved for eternity. Step back, take each step slowly, Return to modern reality, Visit the tourist mart, at the gateway, Buy mementos, to take home with me. Written December 25th, 2001 © on Dec 24 2001 09:44 PM PST, Patricia Rosenberg   0 • 10