For Rock Dove

A prayer for an open wound
To dignify existing in its air
We live for a second only and then we're claimed by the atmosphere

A prayer for a life not lived
To dignify screaming 'til you can't anymore
So ashamed of the love you carry
The crowded rooms where you speak the dark side of your heart

What if like geese we could migrate, migrate
To a place no one follows?
Wish I could speak what's inside me always
I am a bird with a wing of stone

I remember when we were small
-- It's dark in this cave and we grow without eyes --
But your voice is brave and warm and though we trip and fall we come out on the other side alive
And what a calm feeling!
It's like we're dressed up warm cause it's nearing night
In the part of your voice that broke when you called me on the telephone and told me that last night grandma died

What if like geese we could migrate, migrate
To a place no one follows?
Wish I could speak what's inside me always
I am a bird with a wing of stone
Dissipate with the flesh you tainted
Speak loud if you're doing it now
You are alone and there's no one listening
I am a bird with a wing of I am
I am a bird with a wing of stone

So sorry you don't bleed right, I'm so sorry you don't bleed right
So sorry you don't bleed right, I'm so sorry you don't bleed right
So sorry you don't bleed right, I'm so sorry you don't bleed right
So sorry you don't bleed right, I'm so sorry you don't bleed right

And who are you in the back of this stereo?
It's what I want to hear until I'm very old
We cannot slow the burn on your cigarette
We can't stop time for a minute
Or slow the rate of your pulse on your beating heart
... if we didn't have to joke to know who we are ...
And if a screaming voice is all you are
Speak loud if you've ceased to be at all!

But what if like geese we could migrate, migrate
To a place no one follows -- oooooohhhhhh
What if like geese we could migrate, migrate
To a place no one follows
Wish I could speak what's inside me always
I am a runner but with bones all broken