Sand, or Rock?

MARY I. MESECHRE

A certain house was builded fair to see,
With massive walls and stately towers,
Which through the passing sunlit hours
Echoed the sound of joyous minstrelsy.

Another building, full as fair, stood near;
Twin structures seemed they. Storms arose,
And raged, and passed. Dawn did disclose
Two houses? Nay! One only did appear.

The vehement rain of fear descended fast
'Gainst walls that stood all fair to see
In their apparent symmetry;
Somewhere unseen the deluge inly passed.

The flood of sorrow came with furious tide,
Surmounting highest turret stone,
Whelming the fortress in its moan,
And in its wake the fear-forced rift yawned wide.

The winds of doubt blew with benumbing power,
Charged with the force of sudden fear
And surging sorrow, chill and drear:
The yielding walls fell prone that wasting hour.

And why? Each house seemed strong to stand the
shock
Of wind and wave on every hand.
Ah, but one rested on the sand
And crumbled. Hast thou builded on the rock?