(Brooker Reid)



It's not that I'm so cheerful, though I'll always raise a smile

and if at times my nonsense rhymes then I'll stand trial

My friends are all around me but they only breathe through fear

Were I to cry, I'm sure that still they'd never see a tear





In darkness through my being here, away from you

the bright light of your star confronts me shining through

Dull and sullen, much subdued, my skull a stony glaze

Whirlpools rage on constantly, I'm not so well these days

There must be something somewhere near who sees what's being done

The harbour lights are burning bright, my wax is almost run





In darkness through my being here, away from you

the bright light of your star confronts me, shining through

Come Lollard, raise your lute and sing, and to my ears her beauty bring

like Maddox in the days of old we'll feast and drink until we fold

And folding still we'll spare a thought for what's been lost and what's been caught

and maybe then begin again for love is life, not poison





In darkness through my being here, away from you

the bright light of your star confronts me, shining through