Lovers accustomed to tragedy See every kiss in the window across the street Breezes and blessings passing by I'm in the shade of the dogwood tree Not the one where you told your name to me Two hungry blackbirds land near by If I could be over you when the sky starts falling Would you be happy under me? If I could be under you if the earth was burning Could you be trusted over me? Spoke to a mother whose baby drowned Gave me advice, or a rumour she once heard: "Heaven's a distance, not a place" Gave her an ear from the corn we grew You were away but she gave her thanks to you That was a year ago come May If I could be over you when the sky starts falling Would you be smothered under me? If I could be under you if the earth was burning Would you be cryin' over me? I could hear kids in the yard next door Cats in the brush when the calendar fell down Wait by the shade-tree one more year Poetry tempered with tragedy Tempted and pulled when you cry upon my sleeve Two flocks of blackbirds meet the air If I could be over you when the sky starts falling Would you be happy under me? If I could be under you if the earth was burning Could you be trusted over me?