One sees no future, other sees no past
so interaction only is I can't,
but life allows no stop, no moments last,
no now escapes the din of progress' chant.

One seeming satisfies the self with change
proclaiming movement is the sign of growth
but self-deceived perceive a narrow range
with either good or bad but never both.

One once has seen but now is sightless dumb
awaiting words in silence and in faith
but ready for the dead to hopeless come
and be revived by burning of the wraith.

Stern conscience is a sleeping demon, still
but quick aroused to burn the stony chill.

- Robert Stone, 12 June 2011