Whatever it had once been,

it was now merely dirt—

one small sampling of decayed life,

groaning after glory—

and not the marble men require

for the tread of kings.

It lay where it fell,

gave its last strength

to the olive,

took the weight

and kicks of common feet.

And when the Lord came—

trembling—

it held his knees,

felt His tears turn it to mud,

and knew the seed of glory

would be planted.