an eruption

here are the fragments of this oldest tale

in our large repertoire silver in tone

golden in spirit force that cannot fail

 

each child will gather sand in a small pail

to build a castle imitating stone

here are the fragments of this oldest tale

 

how we begin to lay a proper trail

for you to follow once the flower's blown

golden in spirit force that cannot fail

 

to show the wary how to raise the veil

gaining what's wanted without angry moan

here are the fragments of this oldest tale

 

fresh as we heard them ready to inhale

into our deepest parts so we atone

golden in spirit force that cannot fail

 

now that we're ready to reach due scale

conquering all that we could hope to own

here are the fragments of this oldest tale

golden in spirit force that cannot fail

not empty honours

not empty honours of the noble fool

but simple dignity and scent of earth

laughing at fears of drought and angry dearth

 

no wise man sitting on a gilded stool

to praise the omen or announce the birth

not empty honours of the noble fool

 

but the plain lesson of the oldest school

take proper time for tears and time for mirth

give praise only to those who earn their worth

not empty honours of the noble fool