pushing at the wall

I see the crumbling
wall
behind
my house.
the wall that holds
everything in place,
the wall
that keeps
all things
from sliding down
into the ravine,
into
the stream below
and I want to save it.
I see the cracks
widen
over the years,
the stones falling out,
the bricks
turning into soft
red dust.
I put my hand against
the wall
and push.
I push with all my might.
I brace my legs
against the slant
of the soft browned earth
and push.
I think that I am that
strong,
it's the foolishness
in me,
as it is in all things
coming out.