Happy 120th Birthday, Eiffel Tower!

The skyline of Paris can’t be imagined
Without its symbol, the Eiffel Tower**-
Located in the bank of River Seine,
It represents an awesome design power!
Built as the entrance arch to the Paris Exhibition
In 1889 with majestic glory and art-
It symbolized the centennial of French Revolution,
And still tantalizes the global heart!
Out of 700 proposals, one was unanimously selected,
Designed by Monsieur Eiffel-
And has become one of the premier tourist attractions
To tell us the tale!

Gustave Eiffel, the ‘Magician of Iron’,
Was the tower’s designer, who faced enormous toll-
Followed by skepticism from many critics,
As an eyesore in the heart of Paris lovers’ soul!
Completed on May 5, 1889, it was meant to be
A temporary structure, to stand for only twenty years-
But it still stands today to greet the world
With engineering wizardry without fears!
The structure is maintained and renovated
Every seven years with fifty tons of paint-
Executed by workers who master acrobatic
And climbing sports to stay free from ailment!
The tower was about to be demolished in 1909
With expiration of lease on the land-
But its value as an antenna for radio transmission
Saved it from the bulldozers’ hand!

During its lifetime so far, the Eiffel Tower
Has witnessed some strange scene-
Such as scaling by a mountaineer in 1954,
And parachuting off it in 1984 makes our blood thin!
A journalist in 1923 rode a bicycle down
From the first level stairs-
And was greeted like a hero by the cheery crowd
Waiting on lawn chairs!
Politics has also played a role in its life
Since it was opened for public view-
While the Germans hung a sign on it
During World War II with a colorful hue!
Cuban revolutionaries displayed their flag in 1958
From the first level of the tower-
And, in 1979, an American from Greenpeace
Hold a sign “Save the Seals” against the bullet shower!
It has been a popular place to commit suicide
Because it’s so high-
And over 400 people have thrown themselves off
Since it was built, for a deep sigh!

The Eiffel Tower at night is one of the greatest sights
That a tourist shouldn’t miss-
Especially the twinkling of lights may enlighten
The mysticisms followed by a kiss!
The gold lighting highlights the delicacy of steelworks,
Invisible in broad daylight-
And this masterpiece of Gustave Eiffel will be cherished
As the symbol of Paris with an impeccable sight!!