the clarity of autumn

we see the light appear and do its dance
on walls and roofs and from the sides of cars
the complex weavings of a normal chance
and flashes as of tiny intense stars
the glistening dark leaves remind us that
winter is coming with its frigid breath
through bare branches even wind sounds flat
and we seek other kinds of little death
the works and days into each other merge
exhaustion's limits must be overcome
we pull ourselves towards a final surge
but even the noisy birds are now struck dumb
light can bring warmth that thing we realise
but more than that joy to our weary eyes

excelsior

we ask no payment other than applause
our actions are not such as warrant shame
we remain loyal to the normal laws

the thing of beauty always has its flaws
but still should earn our praise and not our blame
we ask no payment other than applause

there's nothing hidden in the complex clause
all that we seek is impetuosity to tame
we remain loyal to the normal laws

we will not prosper without any cause
our march continues though our feet are lame
we ask no payment other than applause

in action constant we shall take no pause
our hope is always steady both wealth and fame
we remain loyal to the normal laws

in time we hope to pass the eagle's claws
for we and it are very much the same
we ask no payment other than applause
we remain loyal to the normal laws