The Ruin

If destruction should ever result,

And pull out the foundations of this,

Think not that it did not exist,

Or that any of its architects

Were behind in their assigned contribution

Say only

That it was built with love and care,

And patient industry,

And the hand of outer forces

Destroyed it.

Say too,

That it was an effort of the soul,

Which bore fruit,

But was not destined to last

And,

That destruction has encompassed

With glorious, tragic symmetry,

Those of its architects

Whom this work gave cause to live.