Desperate Years
 There will be no absolution
 in the desperate years.
 There will be no forgiveness.
 No hope.  No wonder.  No joy.

 The honest man will live in shame
 and his heartache will be unheard.
 The guilt will be borne forever
 for he will not deceive himself.

 There will be no Being divine enough 
 to console the pleading ones.
 Now let the dreams be left behind
 in these desperate years.