Manon

You wake to the song of crows

In that rarefied street row

Where even the trees stand prouder than the rest

You took your coat and fled

Leaving evening's brocade dress

Hanging like a banshee from the oaken chest

Oh Manon, lay your cool hands down

And gather night up in your daybreak arms

And when the season finally turns you'll see

That everything's unlearned, you're standing naked in the town

The truths you wore once like a crown are rusting now

Oh Manon, those wet black leaves like pirate flags

They sail their branches on a wild wind

Fast they think they're journeying towards the fabled stars

But they forgot that they are bound by roots and trunks

And sodden earth still they sail, sail on

You left the dim light to contend with early morning

You left what couldn't be still dreaming in the dark

Oh you and I, Manon, were captives from the start

We are sisters of this longing that's the keeper of our hearts

Pilgrims of this sorrow with our flag nailed to the mast

With your will set

You light a cigarette

And watch the smoke make faces pencil and uncertain

And waiting for the train

In that dogged station cafe

The rain is lowered like a last act curtain

You draw his mouth in coffee paper for his hair

And then the chorus line sings he's not here

Oh you, Manon, will fill these broken lungs with air

And misery

Good and early

Yeah