Idyllic idle idols instigate
intense temptations to ignore conceit
in claiming prized and prizing claimed debate
on old to keep or future needs to meet.

Repeated stories stamping times now past
will satisfy collectors loving words
but tangibles deep scarred are ties that last
for eagle-like who eye the groundling birds.

Expected futures disappoint with loss
the gamblers trusting patterns unrevised
for nature loves the core but gets across
wry changes leaving plodding lives surprised.

No value is above the heart's desire
for worthiness in things we will acquire.

- Robert Stone, 27 January 2013