once – oh – we were young
glorious an' burdenless
so sweet the youngblood candydness
heroic an' iconic

shouldn't that been written
down on leaves of gold?

tryin to reach the stars
dying in our skies
the purpose orphaned - and of less
than any kind of size

once – oh – I was young
ignoring good advice
called fate to arms & dice
and never and
to-none-the-less
the demons dearly died

the road of burning youngmanhood
so perilous and broad
the pride of lacking country,
ethos or a god.

stupidity! – oh privilege
a bashfool in his prime
i got a glimpse of my turn to good
  oh glittering prize
     oh heavenly burden of light…