The body can be so cruel to the mind, But the brain has its own way of being unkind That iron will, so long lived but slowly sapped, They saw it fading, in your eyes, on your shoulders. They knew you were being ripped apart as your walls fell, Your own body slowly tearing down every defense. Your wick was dry and they saw this. They offered sprinklings of oil to keep the flame alive, But it was dead, choking, flickering before them, In that painful dance put on in trials of escape. They were doing their own dance to a different song. While Time and Death were doing a too slow waltz with you They danced on quick feet holding the hands of Hope and Fear. They heard sweet music while you listened to the tic of time. But now you can rest in your silent cove. Forever more, in the tranquil dark, you may lie. Peace and hope are now yours, pension for your chores. On to sleep, I lay you down, with grass blankets and soil crown. The armistice begun and treaties signed, Reform your bond of body and mind.