half of all our lives are spent
encouraged by embarrassment
we hold our heads and stay asleep and cannot hear
in case nobody called

follow the prim ones
and sit on your hands
watch your step don’t hardly move
speak in hushed tones
till they bring on the ending
they bring on the ending
as we file to get outside
with all the same coats on

here it is december’s end
all our evaluations are in
the lowland’s goal
is less than low
it’s good
so easy to have met them

august light the weightless fall
the hold of trucks
could carry us all
the hot exhaust
the thoughtless sleep
we’d run and fall into the river

we’d meet up at night
pretty late by the falls
talk too fast without regret
with headlights and stars
it was brighter than the daylight
bodies all backlight
unconscious though we’re moving
stereo was screaming

we’ll settle for stares
now un-glide with our hands
the basement is where we will live
and stick to the crowds
without ever speaking
we want it that easy
and don’t get caught dancing
even if you’re drinking
don’t get caught dancing