The Names They Left Out

We set the first steel before sunrise

Cold bolts stiffened under my gloves

The survey line ran through the concrete

I checked each mark against the plans

By noon, the columns held their weight

By dusk, our names were off the page

They'll praise the architect's design

Print every name but ours in gold

Who held the line when the cables pulled?

Put your hand on the stone

Feel the strain in the joints below

We know which bolts hold under pressure

Which seams were sealed against the cold

You can raise it above us

You can't erase who made it stand

The opening drew a thousand cameras

White gloves pulled the ribbon tight

A minister spoke of bold ambition

While grit still lodged beneath the stairs

I caught my shift reflected in the glass

Then clocked out through the loading bay

Put your hand on the stone

Feel the strain in the joints below

We know which bolts hold under pressure

Which seams were sealed against the cold

You can raise it above us

You can't erase who made it stand

I know which bolt took three attempts

Which stair still dips beneath the heel

You know the name above the entrance

I know what keeps it standing still

Put your hand on the stone

Feel the strain in the joints below

We know which bolts hold under pressure

Which seams were sealed against the cold

You can claim the view from the summit

But our work is holding you there