Terrapin Station

Let my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm

That will not forsake you, till my tale is told and done

While the firelight's aglow, strange shadows from the flames will grow

Till things we've never seen will seem familiar

Shadows of a sailor, forming winds both foul and fair all swarm

Down in Carlisle, he loved a lady many years ago

Here beside him stands a man, a soldier from the looks of him

Who came through many fights, but lost at love

While the story teller speaks, a door within the fire creaks

Suddenly flies open, and a girl is standing there

Eyes alight, with glowing hair, all that fancy paints as fair

She takes her fan and throws it, in the lion's den

Which of you to gain me, tell, will risk uncertain pains of hell?

I will not forgive you if you will not take the chance

The sailor gave at least a try, the soldier being much too wise

Strategy was his strength, and not disaster

The sailor, coming out again, the lady fairly leapt at him

That's how it stands today. You decide if he was wise

The story teller makes no choice. Soon you will not hear his voice

His job is to shed light, and not to master

Since the end is never told, we pay the teller off in gold

In hopes he will return, but he cannot be bought or sold

Terrapin Station

Inspiration, move me brightly. Light the song with sense and color

Hold away despair, more than this I will not ask

Faced with mysteries dark and vast, statements just seem vain at last

Some rise, some fall, some climb, to get to Terrapin

Counting stars by candlelight, all are dim but one is bright

The spiral light of Venus, rising first and shining best

On, from the northwest corner, of a brand new crescent Moon

While crickets and cicadas sing, a rare and different tune

Terrapin Station

In the shadow of the Moon, Terrapin Station

And I know we'll get there soon, Terrapin Station

I can't figure out, Terrapin, if it's the end or beginning, Terrapin

But the train's put it's brakes on, Terrapin

And the whistle is screaming, TERRAPIN

Terrapin Station - At the Siding

While you were gone, these faces filled with darkness

The obvious was hidden. With nothing to believe in

The compass always points to Terrapin

Sullen wings of fortune beat like rain

You're back in Terrapin for good or ill again, for good or ill again