Carl Sandburg (1878–1967). Chicago Poems. 1916.
85. Under
I
Washing tides of power
Battering the pillars
Under your things of high law.
I am a sleepless
Slowfaring eater,
Maker of rust and rot
In your bastioned fastenings,
Caissons deep.
I am the Law
Older than you
And your builders proud.
In all days
Whether you
Say “Yes” or “No”.
To-morrow.