ash into ash

there are no horrors greater than our own
monstrous creations for they cannot fail
to make us swiftly fall or faint or quail
as they just laugh at each expiring groan
we must reflect on what was always known
that none can write the ending to their tale
what we pass on to others is the stale
remainder and the broken chewed-up bone
no one will set out the bright signal-flags
to mark the passing of a desperate age
but turn their backs and walk away at last
leaving behind the mouldy gauds and rags
that once were trotted out upon the stage
as every glory's consigned to the past