Scaffolding
Around the darkened stone of his exterior
Erect a scaffold made of pipe and wood
Clean the shell that shelters his interior
Until his golden surfaces come good
Steam the grime of each benighted era
Off, and leave unblemished skin behind
Each blast of scalding water brings him nearer
What his architect once had in mind
Remove the soot that renders him inferior
And scrape the grit that’s gripping at his soul
From high upon your scaffolding, it’s clearer
Just how much is rock, and how much coal.