Greatness Passing

 When looking at the accolades
 One goes through life amassing
 We ponder passing greatness
 When we witness greatness passing
  
 As if, amid our day to day
 We all need the reminding
 Some burn for just a moment
 With a light that’s match-stick blinding
  
 To get the world’s attention
 My friends, that’s no mean feat
 To, in a time of chill and drear,
 To give off light and heat
  
 To offer inspiration
 To see the battle done
 And in that crucial minute
 To be the chosen one
  
 To struggle in the spotlight
 That sees our every flaw
 To know the mansion that you’ve built
 Can blow away like straw.
  
 To sin and be forgiven
 But never to forget
 To wake up every daybreak 
 And daily bear your debt
  
 To set down your instructions
 And ponder every letter
 To follow them the best you can
 And next day do it better
  
 Then when one day all disappears
 Our steady souls are shaken
 How terrible to be so strong
 And see life quickly taken
  
 There are no easy answers
 No solace I can give
 Except to say, my friends and foes,
 That while you’re living, live