crossing the lawn

dry grass thin stubble in late summer's heat

reflaring here and there to darker green

in mottled shade there's no one to be seen

a heavy silence rules upon the street

we crave completion seek the upward beat

of ravens' wings demand the vision keen

of tropic vultures we release our spleen

on hapless ears but then we must retreat

in each cool cave the music cannot fail

to guard against the horror of bright day

while keeping hearts in balance from the strain

of sensing that there's more to the true tale

as yet unheralded in what you say

but for the moment we must count the gain

preparing for night

a simple honest vision birds in flight

across the narrow valley in dim air

while very slowly we prepare for night

 

in one swift moment we have to indite

magical incantations of despair

a simple honest vision birds in flight

 

will come upon us in the final light

to draw from every eye a single tear

while very slowly we prepare for night

 

in manner of old custom law and rite

withstanding all injustice pain and fear

a simple honest vision birds in flight

 

will transport each of us to some new height

beyond the weight of suffering or care

while very slowly we prepare for night

 

with understanding of both truth and right

to match the music that will make all clear

a simple honest vision birds in flight

while very slowly we prepare for night