She Was the Universe

I had a dream which was not all a dream

The sun was extinguished

And, the stars wandered dark-ling in space

Ray-less, and pathless

And, the icy Earth swung blind and blackened in the moonless air

And, men forgot their passions in the dread

Of this, their desolation

And, all hearts were chilled into a selfish prayer for light

They did live by watchfires

And, the throats of crowned kings

Habitations of all things which dwell

Were burnt for beacons

(Oh, Lord)

I lack strength (I lack strength)

To turn and leave you

There's no confidence (I lack strength)

In my hesitation

Happy were those who dwelt within the eye of the volcanoes

Their mountain-torch: A fearful hope was all the world contained

Forests were set on fire

But, hour by hour, they fell and faded

The crackling trunks extinguished with a crash

And all was black

The brows of men, by the despairing light, wore an unearthly aspect

The flashes fell upon them; Some lay down, and hid their eyes

And some did rest their chins upon their clenched hands, and smiled

(Oh, Lord)

I lack strength (I lack strength)

To turn and leave you

There's no confidence (I lack strength)

In my hesitation

She was the universe

She was the universe

And, vipers crawled

And twined themselves among the multitude

Hissing, but sting-less

They were slain for food --

A meal was bought with blood

And each sat apart

Gorging himself in gloom

No love was left

(Oh, Lord)

I lack strength (I lack strength)

To turn and leave you

There's no confidence (I lack strength)

In my hesitation

(Oh, Lord)

I lack strength (I lack strength)

To turn and leave you

There's no confidence (I lack strength)