A Greek Tragedy

They oohed and aahed
While hands itching to touch
Reached out and were
Told "no" with reproach-

"So real" they whispered
Still wishing to grasp
The smallest piece
Of such obvious strength-

"So strong" was a comment
Heard around the room
While they stared up
In mute awe and respect-

"It must stand alone"
Intoned the informer
Nodding at marble
And granite and steel-

"Never needs to be touched"
She continued to speak
As a small boy darted forth
From the crowd-

A small chubby hand
Eagerly reached and
Finally touched the
Tall granite so strong-

He hit it just right
Where the marble
Was soft and the
Steel couldn't hold it
Enough-

The crack was small and
The sound so minute
That the crowd moved
Along unaware-

When a deafening, thundering
Crash echoed out from
The room where it once
Stood alone-

Eyes round with surprise
froze at the sight
Of smoky dust
Billowing out from that room-

Eventually one
agrieved voice
Echoed out and uttered
A simple remark-

"No support."