Resurrection Fern
In our days we will liveLike our ghosts will livePitching glass at the cornfield crowsAnd folding clothes
Like stubborn boys across the roadWe'll keep everythingGrandma's gun and the black bear clawThat took her dog
When Sister Lowery says, "Amen"We won't hear anythingThe ten-car trains will take that wordThat fledgling bird
And the fallen house across the wayIt'll keep everythingThe baby's breathOur bravery wasted and our shame
And we'll undress beside the ashes of the fireBoth our tender bellies wound in baling wireAll the more a pair of underwater pearlsThan the oak tree and its resurrection fern
In our days we will sayWhat our ghosts will sayWe gave the world what it saw fitAnd what'd we get?
Like stubborn boys with big green eyesWe'll see everythingIn the timid shade of the autumn leavesAnd the buzzard's wing
And we'll undress beside the ashes of the fireOur tender bellies are wound around in baling wireAll the more a pair of underwater pearlsThan the oak tree and its resurrection fern