I saw them coming, winding
Towards the tower, amongst
The rubble. Weaving in and out
Of the looming shadow, snaking
Around the piles of rock and mortar.
The parade of people followed the leader,
The head of the snake, making its way
To the foot of the tower.
Where the houses crowd around,
And sleep in the dark shadows,
their occupants working
and working. Work is all
they know. They work
in the dark. Lost
in the labyrinth.
Around the cusp of the tower
clouds dwell
And brush the cheeks
Of the workers, keeping them cool.
Ships wade in the shallow waters
And pause to take a break in the shade
Before heading off into the blinding horizon,
With a once more heavy load.