You And Me, Bess

Lyrics for You And Me, Bess

We picked our way Down to the beach, Watching the waves Dragging out of our reach: Tangling tails, like a sodden sheet; Dangling entrails From the gut of the sea. Hoarding our meals (alfalfa and rolls); Trying not to catch The cold eyes of the gulls-- I hope Mother Nature has not Overheard! (Though, she doles out hurt Like a puking bird.) We stayed for the winter. No-one told us About the laws of the land. I hold my own. But you, with your hunger-- You, on the other hand-- Make yourself known. And when we were found, I know we both grieved. My heart made the sound of Snow falling from eaves. You and me, Bess, We were as thick as thieves. So I swore, nonetheless, up and down, It was only me. They took me away, And, after some time Studying my case, Must have made up their minds. By the time you realized I was dying, It must have been too late. I believe you were not lying. It is the day. I wake, With my ears cocked up like a gun (Like every day, of course), Yanked by my wrists To the sugar-front courtyard-- Now tell me, what have I done? It seems I have stolen a horse. I step to the gallows. Who do you think you are-- Arching your hooves like a crane, In the shallow gutter That lines the boulevards, Crowded with folks Who just stare as I hang? It's all the same. Kindness comes over me; What was your name? It makes no difference. I'm glad that you came. Forever, I'll listen to your glad neighing.