The Sand Castle 3-24-10

Yes, the boy continued working

as people ran on by -

kicking up the sun-dried sand

which stung his little eye.

The beach was full of castles,

sand castles great and tall.

The artists had great patience as

the crowd was held in awe.

Now some were very stately

and some were built quite lean -

but artists built their castles

where they could be well seen.

Castles grand and beautiful –

some poised to win a place –

detailed touches serious

from top down to the base.

While all the crowd was standing 'round

still watching and amazed -

the judge looked ever critical

with eyebrow often raised.

But then a storm came blowing by

collapsing every wall.

The crowd was stunned – wave after wave

had toppled one and all...

except for one sand castle

which stood above the rest.

It was not much to look at but –

withstood the final test.

Away from wicked, stormy seas

it stood back from the shore.

Though storm had sent its wicked waves

it could have handled more.

Yes, every great sand castle

was crushed and so outdone -

all tested hard with crashing waves

that could not reach this one.

Its walls were not the straightest -

but safely from the sea -

t'was built alone so humbly

and stood there faithfully.

That young boy sat beside it

not really that obsessed –

when someone started yelling, "Hey!

This one beats the rest!”

The crowd all pushed and gathered ‘round -

saw that castle standing.

They stood there so astonished, but

said not anything.

The judge pushed ever closer -

then saw the little boy -

who humbly built his castle where

the waves could not destroy.

He roared loud his announcement,

“This is the perfect size!”

and then he leaned right over and

awarded him First Prize.

But the boy continued working

as people ran on by -

kicking up the sun-dried sand

which stung his little eye.

©2010 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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James 1:12 (NASB)

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial;

for once he has been approved,

he will receive the crown of life

which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.