Song of the magpie

I know you are there
In the light, in the air

I know you won't leave
The dirt, or the trees

Last night I closed my eyes
And you did come to me
You stood above my bed
Tucking in the sheets

Your hands were strong and warm
And smelled like cigarettes
The kiss upon my forehead
I would not forget

I know you are there
In your books, in your chair

I know you won't leave
The windows, or the eaves

When I was young you hit me
Said I had no gift
Tounge too small and teeth too pretty
I'd never sing or lick

And so I tried my hardest
To live up to you
If I just loved you enough
You'd come to love me too I wonder if you hurt me in your fever dream
Did you wake in some strange room
Thinking you'd fled the scene

Empty bottle dangling like a heavy stone
Having just seen your own father
In your boyhood home

I know you are there
In my bones, in my hair

I know you won't leave
The soles of my feet

If I could sing, I'd sing an endless song for you
My lily throat would tear I'd do so long for you
Magpies would take the sounds I make into their beaks
And find you in the darkness
They're my words it speaks

I forgive you (x17)