I'll Set Out a Verse, and Lay the Foundation
Then You'll Add Another, for the House's Completion
I.
Young Man:
The writer's pen across the scroll
lays down darkness in its wrath—Old Man:
like a snake that slithers across the dust
and leaves behind it a leveled path.
II.
Young Man:
The hawk downs eagles in the heights of the skies,
spreading its pinions against the heavens—Old Man:
its eyes are cut from precious gems,
its flashing wings from bolts of lighting.
III.
Young Man:
The waters slowly flow in the stream,
just like delicate chains of silver—Old Man:
and the hand of the wind like a craftsman comes
and turns that elegance into armor.
IV.
Young Man:
Hidden from men and always veiled,
the pomegranate's cheeks are just like girls—Old Man:
once they're opened, it seems they contain
coffers loaded with gold and pearls.
V.
Young Man:
The fruit of the nut is sweet in its shell,
but until it's broken, it can't be eaten;Old Man:
much like those who seek like fools
and learn not a thing until they're beaten.
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