Squirrel (1978) Lyrics

[From the CD of Wise After The Event, also b-side of We're All As We Lie]

Out at night
I saw a squirrel lying in a ditch beneath a great elm tree
Grey and weak
His tiny eyes revealed the secret of this vigil strange and free
Hour after hour he pursued
Weaker and weaker you grew

Squirrel, friend
I see you lying and there's nothing I can do to bring you back
Grey and weak
Your tiny eyes don't understand the strangeness of this pain you feel
All through the night you will lie
Each moment death's hour draws nigh

Silently
Your hooded brothers lay you down to sleep forever into time
Peace, at last
Has come upon you as a Mother's fading whispers to her child

Hour after hour I pursued
Though you are gone I will still remember you