Monte de la Torre (Los Barrios)

Dark trees are anchored In this hillside, Their rigging whistles for a valley wind; Below, sing cattle-bells: A plain chant To the burden of a choir of trains. Neatly a tractor Stitches the fields, Hums to its obedient plough; A stir of egrets Elegant, delicate, Rises to join a float of cloud. The water-hole Stares at the sky, Silent, calm, confident. The farmhouse Solemnly hugs Children, parents, workers, visitors: Its dog Answers the neighbors', Companionable; guardedly; simply perfunctory. Singular, stalwart, deep-eyed, Observing all, like a fai thful sentinel: This ancient tower!