Building Stones

                             Building Stones

My life was half done when I thought,
         it's time to build me a dwelling;
                   a house worthy of one of my stature,
         and I set about to gather stones.
I desired strong stones that my dwelling might
         weather the storms of life;
                   yet, be a house of beauty and grace,
                             one that would fetch praise,
                             and cause men to marvel at my skill.
So I traveled far and wide to accomplish my task,
         and found stones in exotic places;
                   stones of beauty,
                   stones of strength,
                   stones pleasing in appearance and design.
Then I took stock of the supply I had gathered,
         and judged I had sufficiency;
                   then taking plumb line and trowel,
                             I readied mortar, stone and tools for the task.
But I was aghast!
         For some wretch had already laid a foundation!
         Partial walls with windows and doors were set!
                   But they stood askew;
                   and the walls were not plumb,
                   joints of mortar were inconsistent!
         And the beautiful, graceful stones were misplaced,
                   hidden by the misshapen, stained, and scarred!
Who has done this to my beautiful dwelling?
         I railed against the loathsome oaf who had ruined my work.
         I shouted invectives at this faceless cur,
                   and I petitioned the master builder to intervene.
Tell me,
         what is the cause,
                   and the cure
                   for my plight.
None has done aught against you,
                   he said.
But who has replaced my beautiful stones—
         with these!
You have been gathering stones throughout life,
         and whether ready or not,
                   you have lain them in place one by one;
                             as you brought them
                   not according to the laws of building,
                   but according to convenience and ease.
And what can I do?
         What is the cure for this misshapen monstrosity I have made?
None! You cannot wipe away past indiscretions;
         oh, you might be absolved of your actions,
                   yet the result will not be abated,
                   for every man must build on the foundation he lays,
                             whether good or bad.
Therefore do good with the materials and time you have;
         concern not yourself with what other might think;
         for their concern is their foundation,
                             and can do naught for yours.
         And this one other you must do…
                   Make sure your cornerstone is strong and true.