The Dead

Everyone was invited now you're sitting in the dark

You pretend to fall asleep so I won't fall apart

I go to switch the light on, shut the window or you'll freeze

I'm about to say I love you but I know you'll disagree

There's music from downstairs, laughing outside

I can't see your face I don't know if you've cried

I lay my coat on the bed and untie both my shoes

I can't see an option and it is now time to choose

I'm the birthday boy on a scarlet ship

The life boat's gone, the iceberg hit

There's a marching band, couples holding hands

cll the living and the dead

You wake up before me, push the curtains aside

The palest of days the lowest of tides

While you're brushing your hair there's a knock at the door

I try to guess what you're thinking but I'm not really sure

You're like a figurine dancing so serene

Out on the empty stage

cs the party ends you kiss all your friends

cll the living and the dead

I find myself making lists in my head

Untying the knots and pulling the threads

You had fallen asleep as I drive you back home

The loneliest girl that I've ever known

You had fallen in love but so long ago

You can't find the pieces to let go

c childhood ghost, the immaculate host

The wedding dress, the best man's toast

You read Joyce aloud to the departing crowd

You look perfect in your dark blue shroud

c winter's rose, misunderstood prose

The path you took but never chose

There's a marching beat you, kick up your feet

There's beauty in a close defeat

Forget what I said, I kiss your sleeping head

For all the living and the dead