PARADE OF TONGUES

I understand now
the furrow of the brow
the distribution of the weight
the ringing of the towel
the unexpected gem
lurking in the bowels
the tedious digestion
the horny lover's howl

The world is a parade of tongues
searching for their meaning
A midnight maid who's cut corners on her cleaning
A drooling baby frustrated with his teething
A paralyzed wife whose suitcase dreams of leaving

And I'm relaxing within the wounds of time
the gloves slip off and fade
I'm traveling alone
in the ripples of Eve's wake
To ask anything of this world
is the common man's mistake
So I've put out my begging bowl
and left it up to fate

The world is a parade of tongues
searching for their meaning
A midnight maid who's cut corners on her cleaning
A drooling baby frustraated with his teething
A paralyzed wife whose suitcase dreams of leaving

So when we meet again my friend
I'll wear the moment like a dress
and cup the soft shell of your ear
move my lips close and confess
that I've wanted the highest things
the bright lights and golden crests
but I've settled for the wealth of words
and must admit I am blessed!

not coming

i am not coming
the road withdraws its tongue
two separate cities
monitored by a shared sun

i'll sing in your direction
i'll contain my blood
you'll be happy on your island
until the time of flood

i'm retreating into the shadows
into the imprints of the rain
i've stepped foot across the border
and dropped letters from my name

i'm leaving, leaving, leaving again
rotting on the insides
running from the shame