what we understand

with simple thought we spare much grief
the depth of pain each one will surely learn
a sort of fire that leaves the harshest burn
we are not here permitted some relief
our hearts and minds are subject to some thief
wisdom we find no longer serves our turn
but for the simple life we still may yearn
our height of cynicism will beggar belief
of all the symbols ours remains the best
we aren't the ones who've been fated to fail
with no reprieve we still must reach our goal
life's a lot more than just another test
we steer a course between liberty and gaol
and if we're lucky make it through still whole