gradual association of disparate
cities, states, city-states
from counts to barons
princes
and an emperor or two
out of many,
one
a shared linguistic heritage
rivalries
of creed
or coffers
now full
now empty
and must needs be replenished
the armies
or ragtag mobs
desperate
crusading
or caroling
from the tall mountains
to the lowlands
between rivers fast
and wild
the Lorelei calls
beware
glittering promises
beware
false prophets
beware
empty words
and reach instead
for the gift
of hard work
of ingenuity
of strength of character
that comes down
through the ages
the heritage
bestowed:
today’s promise
tomorrow’s legacy
(Germany)