La Grande Dame Poem by bernard sties

The embers glowed, last remnants of a fire
That broke the hearts of all the Christian world.
Beloved symbol of the faith of France
Collapsing in a Hell of monstrous flames
That lit the darkest night, the world looked on.
Eight hundred years and more she stood apart
And offered hope to millions who would come
To feel the majesty her space inspired.
The timeless beauty of her carved facade
Gave testament to craftsmen's love of God.
And built that she might stand Time's ravages
Enough remains to reconstruct, rebuild.
The steeple fell as faithful o'er the world
Stood by and watched it plunge, a final blow.
With flames extinguished dense Parisian throngs
Gave voice, their Ave's loud, heartfelt and strong.
And all the world rejoiced in their belief
That this grand symbol, Notre Dame, shall rise again.