weight of passing time

all that we see resolves itself as gold
what has been asked is never quite enough
to give as good an answer off the cuff
as that superb one which we had been told
by wiser sorts in the high ranks enrolled
more than this word we count as a rebuff
the manner sordid and the method gruff
this is mind's winter all the hearts are cold
i can't forget that will not be allowed
so few the memories distant the place
and now we listen for another chime
with hearts so heavy and with heads all bowed
not caring any more about disgrace
but feeling all the weight of passing time