the guilty party

too many answers come down to the same

non-explanation of the simple fact

we are the ones who always bear the blame

for all the anger we have one hard name

clear and precise both noble and exact

too many answers come down to the same

wave of exhaustion so that we must claim

not what we earned but all the goods we lacked

we are the ones who always bear the blame

for what was lost and for the constant shame

that was included in the lost compact

too many answers come down to the same

inauguration of the truth of fame

which we can neither add to nor detract

we are the ones who always bear the the blame

for those who come when we call the right name

but have no thought of what it means to act

too many answers come down to the same

we are the ones who always bear the blame

no winners at the end

to speak of valour is no great mistake

when each of us confronts the howling gale

those who are ready when the sandbags fail

know what is meant when city turns to lake

each of them is that moment wide awake

while in their corners all the cowards quail

left with no benefit save their own stale      

as even stoutest bodies bend and shake

words that are spoken in the autumn sun

lose all their purchase during winter's turn

but are the currency of many schools

repenting of their choices no one's done

before they see their youthful wishes burn

and know themselves for ordinary fools