The Poorest Waltz

Across the cedar covered river Within the night that covers them Up the hill toward dark gates An approach so sweet yet again Proffer the sightless with wine Crank the old gramophone To go up and dance with the blind girls A secret so holy and dire To waltz in the arms of innocence Hushed delights from the choir Shadows long and playful Cast with broken old candles Gowns worn and stressed Yet graceful in tired old sandals Strike up the scratchy old music Tonight they won’t dance alone Alas, the music does fade Back to the village they creep And leave the sanatorium Its bars and rules, just so