A Cathedral of Words

One of the lovely things about working with SD Smith is his deep and sincere humility. But sometimes, that humility forces me to pry something beautiful from his bashful clutches in order to share it with you all. Like this poem. You’re welcome.
— James Witmer

A Cathedral of Words

I cannot, I think, build a great building of any kind,
To last a thousand years.

Not with these hands.

So I will try, in my own way,
To make something that lasts a while.
I will try, I think,
To build a cathedral of words.

But that is too grand.

A cottage is more likely, with washing on the line.
A little home.
Simple meals.
A warm fire.
Happy kids.

A cottage of words.

May it last a little while and lend fire to a few tired travelers, moving through whatever darkness,
This industrious world manufactures for them.

A cathedral of words? Perhaps that’s too grand a spire. But I, bold as a mouse,
Aspire.

So I will build what I can,
And let my children, when they are grey,
Say what it was.

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S. D. Smith

S. D. Smith is an author, a lover of chocolate chip cookies, and a founder of Story Warren. Sam was born and raised in West Virginia, lived in South Africa as a teenager, and returned to West Virginia for his (so-far) extensive adulthood. Sam and his beloved wife, Gina, have four children, two of whom have embarked on adulthood themselves. It was at their home in the Appalachian hills where he told his children many stories, including some featuring heroic rabbits with swords. These later became the Green Ember Series, a now-popular work of moral imagination that has delighted millions around the globe. Sam is a devoted Christian, a lifelong Mountaineer fan, and an enthusiast of sports, books, and humorous things.

Latest posts by S. D. Smith (see all)

• Why Imagination Matters—and You Need Allies - October 13, 2025
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• Make Believe Makes Believers - July 19, 2021