I was born in spring
above a silent stream.
Called on by an ancient king
to serve after winter’s dream.

We fought a many battle.
Braved storms and other misery.
Always the obedient cattle
until death or glorious victory.

Time moved like the water below.
Day and night in constant flow.

I held on till the end
seduced by a promised land.
A place of plenty and open doors
across the distant ocean shores.

Then I fell, all brown and brittle
into the river’s icy wave.
I drifted happily for a little
before I sank to my murky grave.