The Wall

Build a wall, they say.  
Sign of our power, our grandeur.    
Razor to landscape    
cut straight through to marrow.    
   
Build it higher, they say.    
Sign of our eminence.    
Stand it tall as our egos    
mirror to your insignificance.    
   
Build it longer, they say.    
Construct it of metals jagged and barbed.    
That blood of errant people may run down every inch.    
   
——    
   
Build a wall, we say.    
Iron canvas upon which to paint in vibrant tones  
the music of our mutual humanity.    
   
Build it higher, we say.    
That we may recount stories for miles.    
Recite verses to our sisters and brothers    
Each word nourishment to shared sacred ground.    
   
Build it longer, we say.    
That more of us might rejoice together    
the inevitable moment swings of hammer from north and from south    
reduce your great wall to confetti under our dancing feet.    
   
R.