The Lisbon Girls, Oh The Lisbon Girls
Mirror: this is a surrender skin
In another room: this is hanging on
The sirens know what they are in for.
Sing the high notes, touch his hand.
This is routine.
To a spinning ceiling: this is giving up
On the ambulence: faces on! faces on!
Father don't you eat the rope I want to stay
Here
Open eyes: dimmer beneath a chandelier
We are so pretty when we are faking. I am
Such a liar when I smile.
Look up and never smile again
Son comes home to take solace in his mirror
(the stains of God's loving embrace still ripe
Around his neck)
Only to find he is no longer human
This empty chest. This hollow throbbing.
This empty shell. Will help you sleep.
And your name will come in time.
For now take a number.
The sirens must flock to a new direction.
Singing: again a chandelier.
Not another breather.
Close your eyes and let your family eat.