I Built a Wall

I built a wall, I built it strong,

My wall could withstand the pressing throng.

Among the crowd I saw your face,

A face among many in that crowded place.

You called me by name, I let you come near;

I felt that in you I had nothing to fear.

You searched my wall and found the spot

Where bricks and mortar, for some reason, were not.

Through the void you saw my face,

Your warmth and kindness bade entrance to my place.

Reluctantly and slowly I went to the door

But when I opened it, I saw you no more.

Remembering that through the hole

I saw your face, a glimpse of you I stole,

I couldn’t let you go without a word,

But a noise made me start, from my wall flew a bird.

To the top of my wall I went in a worry,

My mind in a whirl, my thoughts in a flurry.

I searched the crowd from atop my wall;

In the sea of people were unfamiliar faces – that was all.

I still stand on my wall, but now in fear;

I fight harder than ever to keep the souls from coming near.

And what will I do if I see you again?

Will I let you come close?  Can I trust you again?

For you saw me through the void; you caught a glimpse of me.

Will others now know my weakness?  Will my void they see?

Now I must be ready, I must be on my guard;

Now I’m looking for bricks to seal that void hard.

March 1990