The Leader

Six thousand eyes upon you there,
Standing on the platform square.
Fractured light by marble columns
Moves solemnly across the stairs.
It warms the mantle above the commons,
Below whose vaults you do prepare.
The noise makes room for silence,
Which quickly do you seize.
The crowds are finally quiet;
The time has come to lead:

“Let those of you who know me
Validate my deeds.
To those whose eyes I stand before:
Open them and see.”

Into the day are your words carried
To captive ears by silver tongue.
The verdant palm branch has been readied,
And the Eagle’s banner hung.

by Garret Woo

1/5/2019