thorns

there once was a time
when even thorns were tender
just you close your eyes, open your mind
can you remember

there, off to the west
there, just where the sun sets
when you had the time to be easily led

down darkening lanes
back in the days when they went somewhere
soft crying of leaves
never to keep, just to continue
to need only to shade you
speak only in whispers
since you're only human, go right ahead

now, out in the cold
eyes of the old gods are upon you
now, all that you know
spinning below, fallen behind you
no-one to belong to
no chain to restrain you
thorns weave in a crown around your head

but there once was a time
when even the thorns were tender
remember

© 2004 paula pryce