just as well

old men will die
granddaughters cry
son-in-laws sigh
and nothing's changed

candles are lit
but people quit
when words don't fit
as they're arranged

heart like a drum
beats quickly from
the way I've come
to hear you tell

familiar lies
to my surprise
familiar ties
break just as well

troubles unplanned
unclench your hand
to understand
hands carry more

than pain and hate
they can hold weight
of love and fate
by which you swore

old men will die
granddaughters cry
son-in-laws sigh
it's all the same

so it's okay
to turn away
when asked to play
this endless game