above the valley

no one forgets the places though the names
may vanish into darkness without thought
a single moment in the memory caught
cuts through a host of long-forgotten games
now someone praises now another blames
some person who's forgotten what was taught
and is now fearful it was all for naught
not one of us who knows our proper aims
the rule that governs us withstands all stain
we make our journeys and think that our lease
on life and hope will last for all of time
yet now we would be thankful for the rain
and wonder that we did not see our peace
when all the world and all our joy was prime