Builders of Destiny

Builders of Destiny
by Jesse Stuart
They lie, our pioneers, where highways run.They lie where railroads go and cities stand.Their brittle bones have been exposed to sunAnd wind. Their bones are restless in this land.What does it matter if their bones do lieBeneath the turning wheels where millions pass,Builders and dreamers born to live and dieLike white plum petals on the April grass?What does it matter if their bones turn stone, Their flesh be richer dust our plowshares turn,Builders who made America our own, Whose blood has fed the roots of grass and fern?Dreamers and builders of our destiny, They left their epitaph for all to read;A land of dream and wealth and energy,A land where freedom is the greatest greed.
June 14, 2008