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the wailing

'there is something that doesn't
like a wall' --robert frost

the wailing wall
is packed   with people

there is a waiting list
sacred stones   soaking up

rivers of tears   each one
flowing   without cease

a line is drawn   then broken

and in another place   walls
have been bulldozed   and

there is no place left
to spread their crying      so

bottled up   angers   build up
steam until   they blow wide

out   lashing out with
resentments   their agonies

a line is crossed   again and again

lay hands upon   contemporary
lamentations   for the world

and all the people in it     we just
have to learn to bring along

the rest of ourselves   our feet   our
hands    and heavied hearts

a line is dotted   and disappearing

walls lined with sacred stones   to be
carried away    one at a time

     

Copyright 2006 by James Downs