Bread By Slices

Where once we trod
By rivers of plenty
Pleasant our nod
Search for poverty, scanty

Where once we roamed
Beneath star  above wave
Both near and far
Reckless in all we save

Where once we sang
Whether joy or spirit
Feast bells rang
Our enemies heard it

Where once we conquered
Stilled by our silent boots
Pride our flag furled
Mischief, strength in cahoots

Where once we ruled
Over sea of faces
Now we are cooled
By what lurked in traces

Where once we dreamed
Of a forever now
Gone is what seemed
Our wish beyond the pow!

Where now we lay
With our bread still in hand
We eat today
Bread by slices again