so there we were

we don't recall the faces and the names
not for us memory of home or school
time's river broadens into a still pool
beside the water one loudly declaims
prophetic words speaking of clear aims
outflow moves quite slowly as a rule
there are no falls no force to use as tool
to power lives and generate false flames
we live in hope there'll be another chance
to say the words and make them into vows
to be kept whole and true in time's despite
there'll be another party and a dance
old spirits we'll refresh and then arouse
in recollection of now-vanished might