There's No Escaping It (Poetry)

We think our summer lasts forever
the trees will surely hold their ground
a timely bell far-off is ringing
we harken — know that doleful sound

Sun shines upon both weak and solid
moonlight silvers good or bad
youth proves fickle — spurns love’s idol
age forgets what dreams we had

We flounder — unprepared for losing
life betrays behind our back
the future’s not of our own choosing
compelled we take its twisting track

But nothing lasts — no one’s immortal
nature wills our bodies rust
the universe some vast illusion
our forests burn because they must