the way to glory

our only job is to shoulder the oar
take each command and bend when we obey
not even raise our eyes to the display
of all the flags of welcome on the shore
the path of duty always requires more
of humble us than what the posters say
and we don't get much notice in the play
we're just supposed to add some shout and roar
there's so much satisfaction in the task
we're always told by those who say they care
that there's no use in raising one last hand
besides no one would notice if you ask
and you'd waste words upon the empty air
better to wait and act when they command