frangibility

all that gives power to make gives power to crack
every new messenger brings the worst news
and yet none fight with harness on their back

the thing most wanted is not the one we lack
the sword that we desire is not the sword that hews
all that gives power to make gives power to crack

what gives us grief is not what makes us tack
our banner to the tree we've not left any clues
and yet none fight with harness on their back

no more tricks can be pulled from the endless sack
the whip that flails has no cure for the blues
all that gives power to make gives power to crack

if we play cards we'll find ourselves the jack
so many claim to walk in our old open shoes
and yet none fight with harness on their back

so in the end when all must fade to black
the ones who win will all have paid their dues
all that gives power to make gives power to crack
and yet none fight with harness on their back