your name is precious

your name is precious and you must redeem
each small expense of virtue you have made
honour requires a sharp and steady blade
which you have polished to a merry gleam
force and raw power the masses will esteem
leaving the calm and silent in the shade
plain cloth has not the merit of brocade
and honest answer bows to fever dream
motion is life but we have to be still
and listen to the words borne on the air
while in the distance gathers once more cloud
easy to blame some harsh and ancient will
whisper of forces to the unaware
and claim to be the last one left unbowed