The Schuldner

Follow me southward 
and sing that pirate’s song
the love of a woman 
will surely steer you wrong

Siren sounds ring sweet 
but sweetly false
ghost in gown go wandr'ing down 
long and winding halls

You’ll find her in the morning 
a different sort of thing
the ruby mask has fallen
another broken wing

Rescue her again each day 
and each night she’ll pay you well
this, the path of the weakened man
the path that leads to hell

But why not enjoy her?
fruit of the apple tree
brought here before you 
just to waken thee

Serpent, fruit, and woman
god and christ and ghost
abstractions of the highest sort 
of which we need the most

Ploughshare and farmer 
they labor so in vain
to pay the debt of fathers 
that cannot be repaid 

Sin is real and sinner’s guilt
Brick-mortar, bones, and blood
this is how the tower’s built
Man from dust made into mud

Redemption! Redemption! 
the low and lonely cry
"remove the plank and pay your debt!"
the pious priests reply

Resentment! Resentment! 
Always best quelled with fear
send pablum and pittance
or a hero to revere

the will of strength and health
the mighty tame the meek
justice given to them 
'stead the vengeance their hearts' seek

Quiet now and for a while
we’ve got the "Good" to do
Here: your chains and buckles
each to other, one and two