When I Sing for Strangers -

The Poor ships that we sailed

In those seas of sheets

Harbored in the passing safety

Of each others teeth

White like lies that couldn’t hurt

Clasping on my back

Don’t forget me when you leave

But don’t let me hold you back

But how could i forget your hair

Thats grown longer since you left

I smell it still in the cotton waves

Of other women’s beds

The bodies i borrow for a night

Have never felt less right

Reminders of you as they glide into

Slumber by my side

Her face fits fine in the cinder of

My hateful dirty palms

I used to wash my hands at night

Before I’d sing you songs

When i sing for strangers

My voice is weak and young

I think of your house out in the woods

And the words that you forced from your lungs