They keep the nest, though the birds fly out,
They tend it, they build, and time will take it.
They flee from meaning from the start,
So that at the finish what is another’s takes over.

What is another’s — country, family and children.
The genes have been passed to them.
That is why you do not leave the stage —
You bind the future to the past, so as to live.

Doubt sometimes looks in as an inspector,
Stirs you up, conducts an audit,
Puts your thoughts in order
And sets you on the mission again.