villanelle for a new beginning

if all is measured and comes up too short
at the beginning all was calm and clear
at least we know we sailed from the right port

so many words and so high their import
uttered with gravity and without fear
if all is measured and comes up too short

there is not one who would dare to distort
the grace and beauty that make this day fair
at least we know we sailed from the right port

cheered by an assemblage of every sort
of human being given to our care
if all is measured and comes up too short

there is no crime no sin of false report
to hide our faces but we have to care
at least we know we sailed from the right port

we ask no judgment since there is no court
above our heads in the still winter air
if all is measured and comes up too short
at least we know we sailed from the right port