Walls

James Teng ‘26

Walls carry moods, memories, and marks.

In hospitals, 
Walls whisper the precious span of life.
Of coming and leaving, 
Of what was held close and of ones forced to let go.

In schools,
Walls echo with dreams not yet born.
Shadows of futures awaiting to unfold.

Walls of home,
Humming with warmth, love, and care.
Protecting criticisms and guarding the quiet tears.

Walls of airports,
Bearing sorrow and delight,
Witnessing farewells and embraces, 
All stitching into the flight.

The ancient lofty Roman walls
Standing solemn and strong,
Decorated with loyalty, yet worn by tragedy.

The Great wall of China, 
Laying vast and proud.
Embracing its people, yet keeping the enemies out. 

Walls transcend time and space
Record histories and each era’s trace.
The pages of history, the walls of the world
With tales of the past and present unfurled. 

Yesterday’s walls, today’s walls, and tomorrow's walls
Are the continuation of the same piece
Just like the crowds,
People may pass, but the crowd remains.

Walls carry moods, memories, and marks.