all light and breath

we think all light and breath must come to halt
no time will pass between the first and last
moments of absent time have lit and passed
no stars will move across the nightly vault
against eternity we'll make assault
and at vain time our stern defiance cast
knowing from the first breath we are outclassed
but in our hope and pride we still exalt
both love and life without a hope or fear
our one true obligation to forgive
not those who harm but only those who bless
who think it matters that the turning year
must like a massive measure sort and sieve
still we go forward and we won't regress