The ladder leaning lonely
‘Gainst the whitewashed wall
Leads purposefully to nowhere
Nowhere at all
Like a solitary elder statesman
Thoughtful in his dotage
Steadfast, strong, and upright
And carefully supported
But what before this tool of work
Became mere decoration?
What stories and what tales to tell
Of toil and pride and indignation?
If only he or she could tell
I know not even gender
Whisper now your life-long yarn
And secrets to me render
What feet have stepped upon your rungs
And what were their travails
What scenes did then their eyes behold
Share summary and details
So thus, deep into sleepless night
All drama was regaled
Of service, support, and servitude
And entertained ‘til night met day
I laughed and shed a tear or two
At every revelation
But discretion sensors sharing
With no further explanation
The ladder leaning lonely
‘Gainst the whitewashed wall
Leads purposefully to nowhere
A lesson surely for us all
5th Jan 2022