What does it take for a pillar of strength to break?

 

The Delphic Sybille
 

What does it take for a pillar of strength to break?
Does it shatter with the wind's cruel blow?
It's said you always must give more than you take.

A drop of water ripples a placid lake.
The sun drowns out the moon's soft glow.
What does it take for a pillar of strength to break?

One shouldn't give up for giving up's sake.
I saw it in her eyes, that look I too well know.
It's said you always must give more than you take.

A heart that's weary is a heart that aches,
What's it take before you reap less than you sow?
What does it take for a pillar of strength to break?

The arms of comfort and consistency are at stake…
A waterfall depends on the river's constant flow…
It's said you always must give more than you take.

We end up paying more than we'll ever make
And in a certain sense that's apropos
What does it take for a pillar of strength to break?
It's said you must always give more than you can take.

 

 

Poem: by Susanne Redish

Image: "The Delphic Sybille" from the Sistine Chapel in Rome