'I am willing to tell you this bitter tale
Though it pains my resolve to do just such
A pale and noble man was I
I thought the word was in my clutch.

 

'But we are foolish, as you should know
As nature's beasts we seek to discover
And fulfil, the many flaws found and shaped
Within the empty meanings of humankind.

 

'I stepped up the lonely road and saw
The world as made flesh, moulded and gripped
Before a certain desire filled it with flame
I turned left and right, looking to place the blame.

 

'But no-one I could find, only a humble abode
Stood there solemn behind that grim road
And as I gazed at the ample façade
I swore that I glimpsed another world.

 

'The garden before was bright and full
The humming birds they danced around the pool
Through which nymphs jumped burning with cold fire
It pleaded as one, and fuelled all desire.

 

'But I saw nought but trickery, an ocean swam
Beyond the curtain, nothing but a dead projection
History's truth disguised in sheep's clothing
The script in the book so delicately woven.

 

'Broken in portions and stored under files
As evolution occurred it only brought denial
Branches offered and then swiftly withdrawn
As the tempter ensured the clothing was shorn.

 

'Emerged from the lakes, tearing through trees
The first change in fate began the disease
I saw all this before my eyes, and understood
I would preach this image
But then I found I was seized and imprisoned
In a castle out to sea
Whales and dolphins swam, and laughed upon the walls
As if taunting me.

 

'But as the world turns once more
I found the way to escape
And fought my way, past the watery gate
Looking for an audience, now justly found
To tell the story, in short or full
It needs more time, but it pained me so
For my dignity faded, always I failed
I was lost in this city, the fire has prevailed.'