All bare except for these few things

these remnants of once long before

weighted down this misery brings

the darker parts we cannot ignore

we drink the cup full to the rim

we eat again from abundant plate

the golden ewer filled to the brim

yet nothing does our appetite sate

grapes full-bodied in days gone past

we roll them on our present sorrow

and swear these new days are the last

when we have to both beg and borrow

yet higher now, for here there angels be

wings of simple cloth and common face

once you aided them unawares, you see

they know not what you call disgrace

they see with eyes more clear than yours

filled so as they are with these salty tears

they’ve seen the backs of money’s whores

and faced them down with worried fears

so now they greet you with an open hand

to lift you up when the roads are steep

to listen, to love, and to understand

that these things of love you’ll always keep

after all, that is what matters most in the end

not riches, nor power or the false things of men

but family and health and the few good friends

who loved you the same both now and then