at a bright tower

 so much is gained without need for attack
the fullest vision of the years ahead
what leads us forward also takes us back

far past the days when all we had was lack
of everything but hope we had no dread
so much is gained without need for attack

we did not think the future would be black
and knew our chances had not all been sped
what leads us forward also takes us back

to when the choice was service or the rack
and other thoughts lay silent in each head
so much is gained without need for attack

yet in these brighter days things are so slack
that many wonder if we've turned ill-bred
what leads us forward also takes us back

the palace after all is a big shack
and all good words have already been said
so much is gained without need for attack
what leads us forward also takes us back