the serpent and the eft

when all the wars have ended we're bereft

of home and hope but have not yet been killed

so we construct a life from what is left

the new beginnings truly have no heft

all springs of old revival had been stilled

when all the wars have ended we're bereft

pained by misfortunes by our failures cleft

none can be certain of the truly willed

so we construct a life from what is left

of the old world knowing full well the deft

conversion to the new won't be distilled

when all the wars have ended we're bereft

of wisdom but we fear no further theft

our knowledge and our sorrow both fulfilled

so we construct a life from what is left

while in the dust the serpent and the eft

conduct their searches we must turn to build

when all the wars have ended we're bereft

so we construct a life from what is left

as we climb the road

let us recall  the best effects of style

when those who listen know how best to hear

and do not injure those who hold most dear

the hidden blessings of the final mile

rather they wish the urgent to beguile

expecting that the best might engineer

sounds that will please the most discerning ear

and lead once drooping eyes to shine and smile

the age of wonder has no fixed return

but comes upon us as we seem to find

not a changed world but a remarked abode

the home that we have loved for which we yearn

that seemed so hidden for time out of mind

appear before us as we climb the road

burden of the dark

with what fresh words of choice or soft regret

are we to fight our battles now that time

has tolled against us the dull weight of grime

obscures our vision but no sort of debt

to past or future could hurt or abet

the heart of purpose as we seek to climb

beyond this moment past the normal slime

where there is neither  injury nor fret

you see us crawling searching for one spark

of ordinary kindness that might lead

the normal person from their weary plight

relieve our hearts from burden of the dark

reward with honour the most worthy deed

and grant assurance of a renewed light