the west moon

all time compounds into no simple shape
hour after hour we wonder how we've come
not just to here but to the complex sum
rendered a moment on the passing tape
no need to shudder nor to bow and scrape
one cannot get the sweetly golden plum
without some cash left on the waiting drum
and sudden flash of some heroic cape
no answers come from the old marching band
just note the changes on the painted wall
and if you wait you'll get to see a bird
come down and take the coin from your hand
but not return to your despairing call
nor understand an honest spoken word