honour without profit

we give each thing we see and sense a name
and think that gives us all the truest power
but cannot see what's real and what's a game

each hopes the rain will fail to douse the flame
but then rejoices in the longed-for shower
we give each thing we see and sense a name

the world we have is never truly tame
each of us in our shelters has to cower
but cannot see what's real and what's a game

you'd seek to blame the enemies who came
and rendered sterile what had been our dower
we give each thing we see and sense a name

each may define the proper shaping frame
and leave pain stranded in the highest tower
but cannot see what's real and what's a game

if we don't shun the glory and the fame
our deepest hopes will not last out the hour
we give each thing we see and sense a name
but cannot see what's real and what's a game