Failure

Define failure he cried
Some said their own names,
both in anger and in pain,
But he shook his head

They dilapidated towns
and sang songs of merriment,
'til morning found them-
all crying in dismay

But he still shook his head

Define failure; they answered
with the name of a drunk
who brought his family to shame

Yet that did not bring his nod,
he pointed to the earth
Held out an empty hand-
And down fell a dying leaf
to rest firmly in his palm.