for nearly three score years it stood alone
and towered over all who did survey
this beacon that did make the raiders groan;
opposing navies fell to disarray.
this phony man of copper, tin, and zinc,
whose vigil faced the wind, protecting lee,
had all his strength cast down in but a blink
as tremors found the weakness in his knee.
so all this strength, alas, was but a dream;
on man and all his works there is no trust.
but God has made our union of esteem
and through the gales and fires, it is robust.
no ordinary family is ours;
this Architect can build no faulty towers.
Your comments are greatly appreciated. nandor@wellington.org