Mater in Extremis

I stand between them and the outer winds, But I am a crumbling wall. They told me they could bear the blast alone, They told me: that was all. But I must wedge myself between Them and the first snowfall.

Riddled am I by onslaughts and attacks I thought I could forestall; I reared and braced myself to shelter them Before I heard them call. I cry them, God, a better shield! I am about to fall.