On the Level

Here comes the mayor and the judge,

architect, banker, clerk,

mechanic, merchant, minister,

they're all within our cirque.

Each a spoke on fortune's wheel

entitled to our regard.

Each man upright, just, and true

to tyler presents his card.


Old Tyler stands with sword in hand,

he's seen them come and go.

The best and greatest of the land,

the humble and the low.

Between them, a brotherly grip's exchanged,

a friendly word is passed.

All temporal distinctions disappear.

Within, there is no caste.

On the level they shall meet.

By the plumb shall act.

The inner jewel they learn to greet

and not what's outward lacked.

True bonds of friendship they cement,

diverse though they may be.

All walk the way that Hirum went,

glimpse their Eternity.


Repass the tyler, they emerge

with virtuous square in hand.

Right lessons learnt and duty clear,

well forged their sacred band.

All of one mind, again to mix

with the world, with one another.

No stranger in their travels meet.

Only always see a brother.

David R Ellis, PM