Redness in Real Gold

The ancient one thrusts down his staff
Determining the claim
That most good men throughout their time
Will not achieve their aim.
One in ten shall hit the mark
Just one in ten will score,
The rest, shall by the wayside fall, 
To some degree or more.

One in ten shall realise 
The prize their heart’s desire
To have the wherewithal to that,
to which they all aspire.
One in ten shall strive to make 
That peak to which they climb
But most will reach a compromise
And rationalise their time.

The way to reach your aim in life,
The ancients do agree,
Is to practice all the things you preach
And be what you will be.
Carve deflections from your day,
Achieve the plans you set
And greet success with brother love
... Hail fellow man well met!

Wear promise as humility
Be humble in your praise,
Give credit to the lesser man
Who strives to meet his days;
And when the crown of certainty
Descends upon your head,
Smile the smile of modesty
To shade your gold crown red.


Marshalg
@ the coalface
Victoria Park Tunnel
14 December 2010