The shaking of a reed
The movement of the water
The flickering of a flame.

The crying of a child
The weariness of the labourer
The burning skin from the sun.

The salty tears of guilt
The racking pain of loneliness
The swan song of past glories.

The masks of complacency
The contracts of acceptance
The closing of the mind.

The continuing saga
The words that fill the pages
The lot in life we share.