the meaning of the word

 this is the truth that no one need be told

we do not go the same way that we came

the downhill path is not the very same

as the short tunnel out of the long cold

but journey's one for coward and for bold

with equal vision for the wild and tame

and one good reason that we guard the flame

from foolish youth until we are too old

the crooked timber frames a crooked world

still we would have no other and the best

is what we make since there is none above

to judge or burden so with flag unfurled

we must go forward to confront the test

our only certainty before is love