Two Miles

FIRST MILE

The sun is hidden by a few grey clouds, maybe two,

I caught a glimpse of a raindrop falling.

I remember when the band I was in used to bring in a crowd but now it's just a few.

All I can hear now is a bell ringing in my ear, a calling.

For the calling, I set my face like flint,

I recount the songs forgotten, the one nighters, the long strange trip.

I am jogging on a trail now, doing the occasional sprint.

I caught a glimpse of springtime on your lip.

I told her I needed a change, a sort of a transfer.

She said, "I'll give up the booze and the one night stands."

"Can't you hear the calling," I asked her

But my soul couldn't hold her so she split the band.

I am stalled—panting—in the middle of the trail,

Sweat pouring off my brow--

Sister--will you always be the same?

Can't you hear the calling now?

SECOND MILE

The sun is quite kind

While I get back on my pace,

All I can keep is my own mind

But, sister, I am still in the race.

Listen to the calling on your life,

Like an ancient cry,

Like a raindrop falling

From a rueful sky.

Listen to the calling

Like an ancient cry,

Like a teardrop falling

From your soulful eye.

Didn't you see Satan falling?

Couldn't you feel the tug on your soul?

Can't you hear the calling?

It's on your life and it's on my soul.

All I am telling you is true,

All I ever wanted was the nearness of you.

Don't you see Satan falling,

Don't you feel the tug on your soul,

Don't you hear the calling--

It's on my life and it's on your soul.

I'm done now and my breathing is heavy

But the pace was a decent one,

Bent over--exhaling--hands on my knees near the Chevy,

You were my sine qua non.

Under the beating sun there is nothing new.

All I ever wanted was the nearness of you.