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Every fading memory gives justice
to the longing of a child
stripped of his home and family
banished, forgotten, gone wild

Playful colors adorn the tapestry
the fresh smell of milk and flowers
grace recited before every meal
in perfect intonation and meter
A warm embrace from a mother
a loving rebuke from a father
the frightening thought of school
ending the night with a dip at the pool

All of a sudden consumed by fire
a cleansing flood sent by the powers that be
shell-shocked but not wanting to retire
the good life gone and now just a memory

Uphill climb on a slippery trail
to a mountain top hidden by the clouds
the empowering thought of a holy grail
keeping faith amidst the secretive shroud
hiding promised fame and fortune
by modern charlatans and holy men
playing their carefully picked tune
to get you to part with your wealth again

Tales of a great treasure
awaits the weary adventurer
such is the legends of old
about this great mountain, we were told

So I climb and climb without tiring
hoping for salvation and glory and gold
never minding the hunger and the cold
keeping the spark of hope and smiling

A repeating routine for a weary soul
a great sacrifice in assuming the role
of the great world-bearer; Atlas his name
for when time comes he decides to shrug
the world will never be the same