here's a straight answer

the final step approaches that's now clear
what's done is over and the bell will ring
comes a new morning and a different air

nothing can happen before we're aware
yet when it comes we seem to feel a sting
the final step approaches that's now clear

so much to worry over so much to care
but still there's time for a single final fling
comes a new morning and a different air

we've run the numbers identified what's fair
we'll run affairs with more than a shoestring
the final step approaches that's now clear

there's never time simply to stop and stare
the sunrise offers something new to bring
comes a new morning and a different air

we turn to hope rejecting all despair
now heart and mind will rejoice and sing
the final step approaches that's now clear
comes a new morning and a different air

perseus

not here not now the anger of the light
before this hour was never night or day
and now a man will the great dragon slay
declaring that in the moment his might
gave greater force to power too bright
to be comprehended in a normal way
and yet inside he feels fear and dismay
all power that came was slow and slight
never before had we been given hope
not for our kind assurance or support
the wall must go up just to keep us out
we stand here now on a gigantic slope
above we watch the happy lions sport
while below us there is revel and rout

in the forest

there's definition for the law of night
appreciation of the raptor's power
chances of retribution are but slight

the owl's not interrupted in her flight
down to the earth from crumbling tower
there's definition for the law of night

mouse that squeaks in existential fright
apprehended far from odoriferous bower
chances of retribution are but slight

the hunter's law is not justice but might
her shadow makes tremulous beasties cower
there's definition for the law of night

each fearful creature knows its final plight
what's left from the dark air will shower
chances of retribution are but slight

in these dark places is now law or right
hunger alone must celebrate its hour
there's definition for the law of night
chances of retribution are but slight

in time of war

the citizens of this great imperial nation
require new serenity of peace and quiet
that's better for good exercise and diet
than awful queries about an ugly situation
no one would want to get above their station
or grab a rival country's flag and fly it
though that would be good reason for a riot
so above all they eschew desperation
what being would accept an honest favour
only to turn around and hurt the giver
through sheer excess of honest awkwardness
you want to taste the moment simply savour
the simple frisson the delighted shiver
as someone else takes blame for all the mess