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In moments of weakness

I tend to conjure memories

Of triumph and purity

Victories in years now gone

But as I age, and the seasons change

I'm left with the drear of the present

And the color of my remembrance

Gains too much truth to bear:

And the fears of my youth

Come crashing as savage ocean waves

And the truth of my heritage

Leads me to my grave

All our fathers' sorrows

Trap us within their weight

And if I should rise above

I must cast aside my fate

In moments of strength

I tend to conjure images

Of a future of dignity

And pride, everlasting

And as I age, and the seasons change

I am left with the future

And I abandon the deceptions

I had always told myself

Paths open, paths close

Paths we have ignored but known

And to split the granite seal

Is our test as men

To strike forth

And carry the torch

Toward our destiny

Is the ancient spirit again