wait for the next tide

the ship we sail on lacks engine and mast
it moves on tides that have no human name
on an eternal ocean each is cast
with hardly knowledge of their sire or dame
but certain plain reality's a game
there's only so far anyone could ride
this monster that no normal hand could tame
still each of us must wait for the next tide

on land or sea we fear the sudden blast
that shakes our feelings from their normal frame
knowing that the next blow could be the last
things never change but they are not the same
as when our forebears fought and overcame
for slowly into history they slide
and no one wants to bear the heavy blame
still each of us must wait for the next tide

the journey's made soon be it slow or fast
though each is different each has but one aim
the future far too quickly becomes past
and each their sad preceders will defame
not caring once just what the earnest claim
had been nor why it was so swift denied
not one of us would think our reasons lame
still each of us must wait for the next tide

prince as the keeper of the brightest flame
you know the things that we still want to hide
and all the penalties of sudden fame
still each of us must wait for the next tide