Far across the listless valley
I hear the ringing call
Over the restless battlements
The voice of the past summons all.
Crumbling and greyed they grasp and clutch
Upon my shoulder mild
And swell within my soul a tide
Power both ancient and wild.
The ringing shouts and hoarsened cries
Of past people in past years
Is forever recorded, now recalled
Within this valley of tears.
Something of them still echoes now
But not to ear implore.
Upon my soul these memories break
And beckon me to roam and explore.
As the call slowly falls silent
These aches and pains call me away.
Now I must go, I cannot stay
Thoughts must yield to deeds today.
The Sparkly-Eyed Man 