Oh it was good back then
Let me begin by saying
It was good
and never again
I was afraid to step outside
I never committed intellectual suicide
I never prayed but for myself
He needed more help than love or wealth
It was good then
I didn't know much
I couldn't feel pain
Or pain as such
But pain for pain's sake is the beginning and end
Boredom only after to boredom will lend
I was afraid yes of everything
And anything that said my name
For fear of nothing has fear to blame
Oh but once again
It was good back then
I wanted more and more I got
And with pride and faith and love forgot
Still I went with a bleeding heart
Thinking I should play my part
And be a part of life as an uneasy act
With numbed awareness too dull to react
Feeling nothing but for tomorrow's wake
Nothing there but for tomorrow's sake
And knowing better I know not how
But to be and be me right now
And knowing better later once again
Sighing softly," it was good back then"

Nothing that breathes
knows the truth of being
but to be is simple

don't go on
without a thought
for yourself

living the same
and pacified

no hell in heaven
no ashes scattered
in youth

coming like a dog
from the dark
in some woods

go to conquer
yourself

and loving one's own
a vehicle of sweet sound
handed on a plate

oh go,
from rain and snow
a time where we are one

contact
and truth
some truth
we can believe

new england
france
ireland
go loving
soon to drown and die

Hopeless sight of the emerald piers
My hazard mind and scattered tears
******* desires forget my strength
Fearing death and life at length
I know little but what I know
Will carry on and forever grow
I've sold my soul and mortal being
To say "yes" without agreeing
I see boats on the horizon sink
And people cower in fear to think
I've seen books burn in great bonfires
And evil men the devil admires
But I'd like to build a Jerusalem with pillars of gold
A place to sin and never grow old
I want more by the day
The impossible, trite, and things I cannot say
Yet I lack for nothing now
Having killed the sacred cow
And finally to stand on the world's end
Crimes behind I cannot amend
And still with tears in my eye
Breathe not a word and quickly die
Hopeless the sight of the emerald piers
My hazard mind and scattered tears

sadness shows
It comes and goes
And sadness grows
Despite the smile
Or frown for awhile
Behind all our lies
Sadness lurks in smiling eyes

If I could tell you?
I promise not to lie
By and by, I do get by
With you safe somewhere in my mind

Wrapped like a gift waiting for no one
Still, I could tell you many things

Would it be easy not to circle you
With kindness
Sweetness every time
And put myself in your hand
Or let you wear me like a jewel

I'll keep it up
By saying nothing
You'll have a kiss
For every word

They sneak away in plain sight
And leave with an empty stomach
Only wanting more

Best not to offer answers
When you must know
How many angels may dance on the head of a pin
There are no angels
But the answer is seven

Best not to offer answers
When death is made of dust
And no soul like a phoenix
Rises from those ashes

Best not to offer answers
But enjoy your time alive
That seemed but a moment
When you have moments left to breathe

In Babylon she cries in red
In Babylon her stains of blood
And wine falls from fountains for us
In Babylon the streets are red

And Babylon she screams for more
Outside every shelter's door
And Babylon lifts her thighs
To the hot air and incense skies

Juvenile faces mixed in mud
How sweet our sorrows go
And Babylon today has wept
Tomorrow is on her feet again

And mark well, the faces in the street
The priest in passersby
And be gracious to everyone you meet
And we will love before we die