Parade

I once knew an old nun
She had hands like shards of ice
I once knew a jazz pianist
He had hands like flowing water
I once knew a phantom child
It had hands like rising vapour

Soon, soon i'll join that wondrous parade
Of all, all the things the good lord has made

I once knew a single mother
She had hands like plastic flowers
She used to adorn her daughter's room with
I once knew a supreme court judge
He had hands like rotten paper
In archives
Soaking up murderous ink and
I once knew a prostitute
She had hands like wet cardboard
She used to build herself a home in

Soon, soon i'll join that wondrous parade
Of all, all the things the good lord has made

Sleep is defeat
Stay up and swallow the faces the night hours bring
And what do mornings in your room look like
Faces turned to dust dancing in the sunlight
And rage takes energy
Eat your breakfast, read poetry
Say i know myself better than you
Say doo daa dada do da dada do
See how the world keeps on moving without you
Say ahh what a relief, say doo da dada doo