She was cracked from cliffs of sandstone,
Took her shape from breaking blows
And shattered from her birthplace
They saw in her the flows
Of tides that bring the fishes
When rot has ruined the crops,
And welcome trade from distant shores
When sickness takes the ox;
They saw the streaking sunlight
As hailstorms flood the town,
They saw in her the breath of rain
When drought is beating down.
They saw in her the dancing
At new-built barrowsides,
They heard in her the singing
Under wind-torn turf new skies.
They raised her on a hilltop,
They daubed her painted length,
They gave her scented oils
And begged her for her strength.
They raised her in the knowing
That one day they’d be gone
But she would stand there steadfast,
That hope lives on.