Birds of Spring

The wind she whistles for the shadows
Even the cars are quiet now
The moon is swallowing my sorrow
Her appetite is merciful

Alabama feels like a long life ago
Now that Bettye has passed away
My memories become memorials
To everything that could not stay

But a woman and her children sleeping
Plant their dreams in fertile soil
A dream is a scheme which upon repeating
Turns to stone or turns to gold

Hallelujah to the birds of spring
Hallelujah to the songs they sing
Hallelujah to the hearts that burn
That breaks and heals and never learns

So maybe we'll visit Alex and Karen
Down in Georgia come this may
Maybe we're bound to kiss some coastline
And say farewell to these haunted plains

I've got a locket with two faces faded
Hanging in a frozen attic
One is doubtful and one is sacred
Lost and saved in silhouette

I'm waiting for the snow to melt
I'm waiting for that ache I felt
I'm watching the robins all go wrong
Forsaking their young just for a song

Hallelujah to the birds of spring
Hallelujah to their offerings
Hallelujah to the heart that burns
That breaks and heals and never learns