Sweet House

 

In the sweet house

the danger is swept clear

away from the door

Every thought flowing easier still

 

I can see you

your hands are so tiny and

clean in the light

Now and ever and always and, oh ...

 

Soft as calico

clutching a marble,

approaching from everywhere

before and after me still

 

Here and far

I'm as big as an Oldsmobile,

equally small

and ten times less able to talk

 

Invitation

just gives way to worrying,

constant distress

at each passing of valuable time

 

Time that robs us

of teeth and immunity -- We can't afford

to pick up what we're leaving behind

 

In the sweet house, the fires are always for you

Through the windows, we see,

ever preciously, good

Warm and dear

as a star in the wilderness

holding me up

and swallowing all of the woods

 

Complications arise

in the simplest of lives

Even houses with bright yellow walls will fall down

I wish one of us could be a hologram

I know you know

but don't make me tell you that when

every day brings us closer and closer -- well,

I better keep myself way over here, 'cause I know

that one day, you'll be long gone

and I'll be

a lonely old wretch

renting a room I can't keep

 

published by Combustible Edison, Ltd. (BMI) © 1992

 

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