The French at first abhored it. They said it was so ugly.

Now they say it defines Paris and they say it rather smugly.

Originally felt that its symbolism was just a bit too phallic

Now they say it exemplifies France. The epitome of Gallic.

Built over a century ago as a part of the Paris Exposition,

Summing the skills of the era, reflecting technology's condition.

Tourists gathered round its base to observe its monumental soar

And asked this question for the very first time, "What's is it good for?"

Fair organizers delicately parried, "Its importance is symbolic,"

Regardless of the comments engendered, however vitriolic.

"It marks the end result of our present engineering knowledge.

The best of technical abilities. The current "cutting edge".

The fair back then ran its course, not so with the Tower.

It was a gift for all posterity, that still does its image shower

Down on Paris. Generation to generation. Still without purpose.

Observing our daily foibles. What would it say, were it verbose?

It would probably comment on how foolish we really are.

Each generation able to choose a path, then on it not going far.

It's seen two many World Wars. Man's stupidity inexorably moving

Towards more and greater destruction. What is it man is proving?

The passage of time and war has permitted its own preserve.

It has weathered many things including the initial reserve

With which it was greeted, so that now it's hard to determine

Its genesis wasn't French at all. Designer Eiffel was a German.

Copyright © 2012 by Frank Koerner