in a time of secret wooing

today prepares tomorrow's ruin

left knows not what right is doing

my heart is torn asunder.

in a time of furtive sighs

sweet hellos and sad goodbyes

half-truths told and entire lies

my conscience echoes thunder.

in a time when kingdoms come

joy is brief as summer's fun

happiness its race has run

then pain stalks in to plunder.

~maya angelou, in a time~