1. Where are the friends of old
Who were beckoned to death and seized

2. They met it when no covers were laid
No pillows, no comfort was eased

3. Graves gape to engulf them now
Then close tightened as if squeezed

4. In soil they find their bedding strewn
In earth's rubble their couch is leased

5. Lost generations, their links in life's chain broken, forlorn
Scattered, forsaken, forgotten, outworn

6. Past the encampments of the dead you pass
Without a tear your stony heart to soften

7. As mourners who just bore you here
Then left you and walked on

8. Oh two faced world, your guiles surpass
All powers of speech however eloquent

9. Yours is the house of injustice and deceit
And aggression and waste run riot

10. And bigotry and bitterness seethe
Yours is the house of sorrow and grief

11. Of backbiting, cheat and strained belief
Of tension unending and cause to weep

12. Misfortune visits your tenants
Mishaps make all hopes forfeit

13. Your kingdom's days are marked by shifts
In fortune's turns and destiny's drift

14. Like a ball are your creatures tossed
Then somehow strangely lifted

15. Days look on blind, hours never halt
Of all who tread the good green earth

16. Glory and fame afford no shelter
Thoughtless mortal, his days are as wafted

17. What man but confess death's right to rule him
Mankind's purpose obscured in confusion

18. Yet ceaseless their struggle for illusory gain
Naught lasting is your realm yet soon

19. Shall all be taken and you remain
God's word is final and true

20. His promise time will never cleave