The Long Defeat

The tyranny of deterioration
Worries me that it’s all just a waste of time
Taking one step forward, two steps back
Still I believe there’s a breadth through the thorns
And I believe the summer’s warm
And I believe that it’s ever bright beyond this black

So keep holding on to hope without assurance
Holding on to a memory of light
But will the morning come? For all I know
We’ll never see the sun
But together we’ll fight the long defeat

Suffering that I see all around
It’s enough to keep me crashing down
Till I, I’m wrecked and wreathing from these falls
Still I believe there’s a word in the wire
And I believe there’s a way through the fire
And I, believe, there’s a joy
That blooms beyond these walls

So keep holding on to hope without assurance
Holding on to a memory of light
But will the morning come? For all I know
We’ll never see the sun
But together we’ll fight the long defeat