raising the ashlar

we jump the waterfall and find no hell
at mountain's foot is merely a rich plain
in the dim distance a blue ocean's swell

we listen but we cannot hear the bell
to summon us once more to duty's pain
we jump the waterfall and find no hell

what we have done we do not have to tell
our only hope is not in any gain
in the dim distance a blue ocean's swell

we saw the cities rise and heard they fell
and in the interim we drank champagne
we jump the waterfall and find no hell

you see us here and think us but the shell
of what we were our efforts simply vain
in the dim distance a blue ocean's swell

what we have done must in its time compel
the hearts of those who choose not to complain
we jump the waterfall and find no hell
in the dim distance a blue ocean's swell