off the screen

a little glow announces every hope
long hours are spent in futile thought
what's got is not what we had caught
each symbol might fail as a trope
each hero turn out just another dope
but we still had to do the things we ought
and not be worried about what we'd bought
our feet are still set up the weary slope
a light that does not warm and doesn't chill
enough to see that we are not yet lost
the comfort that we have is fully paid
we set ourselves to work by simple will
what doesn't matter is effort or cost
all that you have to do is make the grade