Harry's Circumcision (Reverie Gone Astray) - Lou Reed

Looking in the mirror Harry didn’t like what he saw

The cheeks of his mother the eyes of his father

As each day crashed around him the future stood revealed

He was turning into his parents

The final disappointment

Stepping out of the shower Harry stared at himself

His hairline receding the slight overbite

He picked up the razor to begin his shaving

and thought oh I wish I was different

I wish I was stronger I wish I was thinner

I wish I didn’t have this nose

These ears that stick out remind me of my father

and I don’t want to be reminded at all

The final disappointment

Harry looked into the mirror thinking of Vincent Van Gogh

and with a quick swipe lopped off his nose

And happy with that he made a slice where his chin was

He’s always wanted a dimple

The end of all illusion

Then peering down straight between his legs

Harry thought of the range of possibilities

A new face a new life no memories of the past

and slit his throat from ear to ear

Harry woke up with a cough the stitches made his wince

A doctor smiled at him from somewhere across the room

Son we saved your life but you’ll never look the same

And when he heard that, Harry had to laugh

Although it hurt Harry had to laugh

The final disappointment