The Fortress Poem by Amy Serhienko

The Fortress

We build walls,
strong and high,
to protect ourselves.

We do battle,
and each time
bricks and stones tumble down.

The mortar loosens,
and holes appear,
exposing our inner core.

So we rebuild,
and fortify,
and re-arm the battlements.

And we plan,
and prepare,
and strategize our defense.

But somehow,
we find ourselves
unprepared

For the day
when someone simply
knocks on the door.

We’re astounded
when someone
looks in the open window.

And asks nicely
to be allowed
to come inside.