SILENT WITNESS

From its low perch on Harvard Street,
through countless legs and passing feet,
this lone sentry has seen displayed
the human pageant on parade.

Although half-hidden by a hedge,
it holds fast, stone-like, to its pledge
to fulfill a special mission
without glory or ambition.

To find it you may have to search,
even do Brookline Room research,
or come upon it on the road
while strolling home to your abode.

Faithfully, without denials,
past triumphs as well as trials,
centuries of tears and smiles,
just reminding: “Boston 5 miles.”


With thanks to a 1729 stone marker

serving Brookline for almost 300 years.
December 9, 2012

 


All written material © Bill Schechter, 2016
Contact Bill Schechter