a mortal patience

[fledgist]

shadow of stone defined by painful light
we face this future with our hearts all blind
the rules once taught us come out less than kind
the truth's not found with ordinary sight
all of us here are bound in the same plight
not to keep any treasure that we find
nor to develop any seeking mind
but merely to be ready for the rite
we don't desire any cheers or applause
just complete silence as we here depart
not knowing if we ever shall return
it doesn't matter if we've got a cause
nor even if we've mastered any art
we load our bags look forward and then burn