uncertain of our flame

[fledgist]

name after name recorded on the wall

a sombre history of the long crime

against us all now fading into time

made by those giants who to us seem small

through urgent years when little could appal

our fervent thoughts when worlds were at their prime

(so we believed) yet we feared the dark slime

that seemed to lurk awaiting our long fall

now it’s the turn of those who would proclaim

a better day and shout it very loud

so even the ancestors could rejoice

but we who are uncertain of our flame

no longer urgent and no more as proud

are not so eager to exalt our voice