crosshatching branches

crosshatching branches frame so pale a sky
warmth vanishes beneath the winter sun
we think the tropic light and heat a lie

so many make the pleasant world a sty
and from the worst of it the lucky run
crosshatching branches frame so pale a sky

in every mind the thought that flutters by
is one that in the depth of night was spun
we think the tropic light and heat a lie

duty can set both heart and mind awry
and in the coldest day our pulses stun
crosshatching branches frame so pale a sky

so little hope and truth we have to buy
that when we're finished no one shall have won
we think the tropic light and heat a lie

past caring now life dies in every eye
we know what's ended and what has been done
crosshatching branches frame so pale a sky
we think the tropic light and heat a lie