staying in the shade

no mention here of duty but we know
what must be done and still we shun
any plain mention of things to be done
and all the matters which we have to show
the options stand before us in a row
we have the knowledge but still we run
around in circles though under the gun
beyond us still there is a steady glow
at times one wants matters just to stop
for life to pause and give us all a chance
to breathe and think before we have to do
but life's not like that we work till we drop
the whole thing can be captured in a glance
and we must feel it all before we're through

awaiting summer

we're safe when light and warmth combine
and we can watch in comfort from the shade
it's time for rest and thought and a little wine

messages may travel up and down the line
war may be halted for one last parade
we're safe when light and warmth combine

good order's sustained by pillars of plain pine
beyond them there's the coolness of the glade
it's time for rest and thought and a little wine

the vines and withes a secret may entwine
the best of nature by clean nature made
we're safe when light and warmth combine

such things as these are calm and good and fine
the work's all been done and tempers are not frayed
it's time for rest and thought and a little wine

we take the chance to show just how we shine
we take such matters and make them our trade
we're safe when light and warmth combine
it's time for rest and thought and a little wine

the high decretals

lies that make us look our best
are the finest ones the almost true
we bring them out to public view
announcing that the servile rest
are here in honour of our quest
their oaths of serfdom to renew
while we who are the happy few
put their hard service to the test
it's easy to announce fresh lies
we've gone and told so many tales
another should matter not a bit
the word that we are heroes flies
to those who'd swallow even whales
and no one points out that it's shit