meditation on the hither shore

 so much is silenced by the hungry sea

forgotten centuries that weren't all grief

the glimmer of the waves is no relief

not urgent voices bidding us let be

ignore the past be humble bend the knee

to those far wiser suspend all mischief

and turn the raging mind back to belief

in angry gods of the smooth bourgeoisie

now we're the ones who always must atone

not for our sins but for your fathers' lies

making great efforts in these brighter days

not to disturb the ancient broken bone

nor to take hold of the bright golden prize

but leave to you the honour and the praise

this we have found

 so we forget just who and what we were

in this large kingdom where the vulture reigns

honour and history have to concur

 

in some decision about what's to stir

both hearts and visions in those swift campaigns

so we forget just who and what we were

 

the happy cat will nestle here and purr

ignoring us while we don yet more chains

honour and history have to concur

 

with what we say as time moves in a blur

of rapid actions over sad remains

so we forget just who and what we were

 

in these bold days the wise entrepreneur

knows well just what good matter he retains

honour and history have to concur

 

just as the bone is kicked towards the cur

the one that any better thing disdains

so we forget just who and what we were

honour and history have to concur