saving the sum of things

the flag that's flown tells only half the tale
behind it march a motley mass of men
summoned to sore struggle yet again
all are expected to be fully fit to fail
yet gathered against the growing gale
presented here with all the power of pen
each will devour all devils in their den
and then abscond to consume ample ale
now roots are hard and gnarly we all know
but without them the tree is bound to fall
so with the ones who hold the tale together
on their hard feet towards the goal they go
we're proud to see them here standing tall
for us they gladly work in every weather