The Watch

By Cliff Lake

 

The Watch

 

What is poised against the deepened night?

What ancient tower

Yet stands against these times?

What staunch stanchion still bolsters?

What shield hefted?

Does any Sun’s ray pierce the dimming day?

Have all supports fallen,

Has all faith foundered?

Are there yet champions?

Are there yet bold?

What voices lifted in defiance?

What songs carol against the dark?

Answer these,

Child,

And hope blooms.

 

What gauntlet clenches?

What psyche rages?

What beast foments?

How many quislings waver?

Whose pockets bulge ill-gotten?

What worms gnaw at our institutions?

Who gathers the vermin beside him?

What craven serves the mad master?

What lies must now be lived?

Who sees enemies at every lamppost?

Why is that enemy you?

Speak to these,

Child,

And defiance looms.

 

What babe is fed from many hands?

What gran is sheltered by the village?

What infirm has aid unlooked-for?

Are your youth taught costless?

Can you venture out past daylight?

Are you free to roam the eve?

What sentinel guards your liberties?

What ward is yet unsullied?

Is your speech yet unrestricted?

Are your choices yours to make?

What is poised against the deepened night?

What ancient tower

Yet stands against these times?

Hearken to these,

Child,

And light resumes.

 

Cliff Lake 8/21/2025

Copyright © Clifford Lake 2025

Location: Wichita, KS, USA

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