Without Trace For C.R Clark Poem by ivor or ivor.e hogg

The soulless city lies in wait
to capture young ambitious fools
Who think that they can demonstrate
they have no need to obey rules.

They are convinced that they can win.
Become a star against the odds.
But very soon they are drawn in
begin to follow darker gods.

At first its drink and then its drugs.
Immediately they start to lose
naïve and innocent: Just mugs
open to all kinds of abuse.

Their cherished dreams do not come true,
they have to face reality
and set their sights on something new.
A lesson in humility.

The wiser ones soon realise
that stardom comes to very few.
A fact that they must recognise
and this reluctantly they do.

The foolish ones still persevere
in pursuit of their hopeless quest
Until at last they disappear.
Swallowed up like all the rest.

The soulless city lies in wait
for fools who ignore all advice.
Assuming those who challenge fate.
are prepared to pay the price.

21-Feb-08