Words & Music by Mike Power

The wall I didn’t want to build
is rising between us anyway
brick by brick by brick

I didn’t realize until recently that
I don’t need to intend you harm
to do you harm

As soon as i learned how i started making the mortar
the bricks have always been here

The skin of my face has become so dry
that tears are absorbed before they can fall
like rain falling on a field that hasn’t had it in years
like the sweat that comes from honest labor
like building this wall
brick by brick by brick

I had hoped to see your face again
to hear your laugh
to smell your perfume
but I won’t be able to do those things
when I finish building this wall
this necessary wall
this wall without window or door
this wall that will stand as high as I can reach
until time or an earthquake tumbles it down
brick by brick by brick