the constant duty

what one could say another could indite
in better verse than i could ever make
and show that none of those who mirth forsake
will ever understand the clearer light
instead we follow the amusing sprite
who leads us on the path to the dark lake
through fevered memories we cannot shake
we are compelled by life herself to write
the truth is clear we do not get to choose
our purposes alone instead we find
coöperation works but out upon it
we know at once just who will win or lose
and put such matters firmly out of mind
just so we properly complete the sonnet