Sanctuary

This is the bricklayer; hear the thudOf his heavy load dumped down on stone.His lustrous bricks are brighter than blood,His smoking mortar whiter than bone.

Set each sharp-edged, fire-bitten brickStraight by the plumb-line's shivering length;Make my marvelous wall so thickDead nor living may shake its strength.

Full as a crystal cup with drinkIs my cell with dreams, and quiet, and cool....Stop, old man! You must leave a chink;How can I breathe? You can't, you fool!