the common good

our choices come from reason not simply from rote
we're beings with minds and choices must be made
things must be bought and wages must be paid
our doings may be ordinary but still we have to note
why we have done them by what will and whose vote
the decisions are arrived at for when all has been said
it's choice and planning that will make the grade
and all our options every single case must have its coat
and under such fair cover achieve what ends it can
since nothing ever makes it to the most desired goal
but still we have to live and for that must remember
that most work's not done by those who in the van
gain the applause each part must make the whole
a single flame else we decline into a last pale ember