Lonely Arch

Fragile, graceful arches of the Saat Kaman, standing for centuries, continue to frame the world of the people who live around it.

O lonely arch, with walls and buildings gone,

What stories could you tell? What kings and priests,

What heroes, serfs, and merchants, saint and sage

Have through your portals marched, and to what end?


How do you stand? What holds you in your place,

Mute witness telling tales in silent speech?

By halfness proving wholeness must have been.


Then hail! You lonely arch, on duty still!

Though men and women helter-skelter rush,

Still let them gaze at you, most steadfast one,

And in their passing, think, you ancient friend,

How duty stands when life comes to an end.