Travels with Dad
VII – Fortifications
It’s easy to ponder the science
of fortifications in their decayed state,
much like the anatomy of whales
found washed up on beaches,
death’s aftermath, the majesty
of bleached spires, the hollow openings,
once-secret innards exposed
to gaping and casual probing,
the speculation of visitors
arriving in mid-morning casualness,
carrying theories of demise
in their backpacks.
The arrangers of stone
on these hilltops have gone, their era past,
the blind eyes of turrets and
gaptooth revetments
wait patiently crumbing for their
old foes’ ghosts; the native
populace still bears the faces
of the defenders, intermixed now
with the invaders, the descendents
of Napoleon’s armies practice
maneuvers with NATO safely away
in the west leaving the ruins
for us to explore - steps, still steep
with defenders’ anxiety
bow worn backs to visiting feet
harsh breaths tell the tale of ascent,
though less rushed now,
battle-fear sweat replaced
with the flush of our casual climb
the advantage of height now prized views,
cameras and packs banging
like armaments against thighs.
The trade routes below us are
paved now, armies of buses and
trucks travel the highway east-west with
well-filled stomachs; the quiet
rustle of commerce leaves
to the ears of imagination
the stilled sound of cannons
that slumber like mascots at
monuments’ feet in the town squares below,
reference points for the maps
of the foreign invaders,
seeking their tour bus.
© Jonathan Bohrn (2007)
Rhineland Castle
© 2007 J. Bohrn photo archives
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