observed in secret

this is not what we mean by on the fly

but speed is not the same as simple haste

you must not press us when you know we lie

 

what we desire is just an open sky

but so much happens that we want erased

this is not what we mean by on the fly

 

our words and signals do not seem so dry

but all we value now is much debased

you must not press us when you know we lie

 

greed and despair combine when we apply

the rules of power upon all those we waste

this is not what we mean by on the fly

 

the true reporter we will call a spy

and seek to banish or else to lambaste

you must not press us when you know we lie

 

you must not listen while the victims cry

or mention terms like honour or good taste

this is not what we mean by on the fly

you must not press us when you know we lie

it is the proposition

you do not want to ask just how to fail

those who would build the wall make war a game

and climb the stage to loud cheers and acclaim

while on this side all hangs upon a nail

so many hours spend outside in the gale

while fools debate the costs and spread the blame

without a one who knows to fit the frame

at the right angle this is the whole tale

so much will happen when the day is warm

before the moon has sunk into the mire

and on the mountain other fools may dance

awaiting the true honesty of form

that comes when we declare fullest desire

and give ourselves the final decent chance