Sentry, now and always

This little boy peers up at me

While I stand stiff, tall as a tree.

He does not know why I am dark,

How on this bridge I came to be.

ㅤ

The birds do swoop and leave their mark

white splotches stained on lifeless bark.

They whirl and dive as I stand still,

and dart across into the park.

ㅤ

The sun sinks low and with a chill

workers walk; they often spill

of dreams and love and memories,

'til even time has had his fill.

ㅤ

My matching fellows light with ease

The moon only a silver tease.

Careless hand forgot to mend,

So must I stand in unlit breeze.

ㅤ

The busy day is at an end

And nature, she has time to mend.

From the bridge these globes through night

Do wayward folk steadfast defend.

ㅤ

I once had beauty, burnished might

Now lost, my precious, burning light.

I wonder how that little lad

had eyes that sparkled just as bright.

ㅤ

There is no worth in being sad

Better grace, for times more glad.

Mayhap his journey's just begun,

In cloth of man he shall be clad.

ㅤ

He is many steps from done,

While my own race is nearly run.

So here I wait beneath the sun,

So here I wait beneath the sun.