City Hall

City Hall


1.
Walking on streets, morning or evening,
sometimes we glimpse a gigantic presence
looming beside us, ready to pounce.
The we recognize--it's only our shadow,
silent, huge, faithful, friendly.
And so--if we manage it right--
our city walks beside us,
a faithful image
that bends when we do, and softly
returns.

2.
May this house long serve and shelter
all citizens. When our notorious
rains come down, when traffic and law
invade. When we or our children
need help.
Here, tough The Hall.
See your shadow lean forward
to find your hand.

William Stafford

Posted over on Friends of William Stafford