Lost Paradise

I try to fly but by-and-by I fall,
You knew how to undo me to a crawl.
We plead we're free, but greedily appal,
They say that way one day we'll pay with all.

I covet love above all other prize,
Of girls like pearls, all curls and twirls besides.
But though they know to show just so their eyes,
Their pride is snide and ties my mind inside.

We would and could and should have stood like kings,
Despite our plight we might by right have wings;
But fall for all the small and foolish things,
Embrace the base, and chase and race in rings.

Within the inn to sin and grin we're prone,
Then say "Away!" and pray we may atone.
We dance and prance and glance askance beknown,
But lie and sigh and cry and die alone.