A Tribute

A FEELING OF ELATION AND SUPREME JOY
HEADY GIDDINESS OF A CONQUERING ARMY
STANDING ATOP A MOUNTAIN PEAK
REACHING OUT TO A PASSING CLOUD
GLIDING ACROSS MY OUTSTRETCHED HANDS.

A MOUNTAIN PEAK OF SAND AND CEMENT
SALUTE TO A BRICKLAYER'S SKILL
AWED BY THE CARPENTER'S DRILL
STRENGTHENED BY A STEELMAN'S PLIERS
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE, HIGHER EVERYDAY
WHILST TOILING UNCOMPLAININGLY.

A SLIP AND A FALL, DOWN TO ETERNITY
APPEASING THE GODS, AN ALTAR OF SACRIFICE
BUT TO DEFY THEM, IS TO CREATE
A SKYSCRAPER
MY PEDESTAL TO THE UNIVERSE.