Terrapin Station (Suite)

Let my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm,
 That will not forsake me 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 storyteller makes no choice. soon you will not hear his voice.
 His job is to shed light, and not to master.
 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,
 From the northwest corner
 of a brand-new crescent moon
 crickets and cicadas sing
 a rare and different tune
 Terrapin Station
 in the shadow of the moon
 Terrapin Station
 and I know we'll be there soon
 Terrapin - I can't figure out
 Terrapin - if it's an end or the beginning
 Terrapin - but the train's got its brakes on
 and the whistle is screaming: TERRAPIN
 While you were gone
 these spaces filled with darkness
 The obvious was hidden
 With nothing to believe in
 the compass always points to Terrapin
 The sullen wings of fortune beat like rain
 You're back in Terrapin for good or ill again
 For good or ill again