smiling in hope their smiles might last
Ten thousand cities whirl aroundbut soon return to earthened ground
Wild pairs of lovers dance their steps
then fade and part with drying lips
come cities rise, come people fall
live on in books - yet that is all
I stand atop the ages gone
and age with them yet stand alone
I've loved and danced and laughed and cried
soon in some tome you'll find me laid
For I am Rome and Babylon
and Carthage, Troy and Epic Song
all part of history's splendid tale
rage passionate but doomed to fail
(I've lived and garnered life's great wages
as now I weep the Grief of Ages)
