I sensed your tension You ask if I would pray with you this time I knew this be the night you ask The Angel To descend upon your sleep; Lift this cross If I only had one wish I'd take your place I shivered when you whispered; It was time But true to my commitment to your plea Tonight my love I'll engage your destiny I must confess bemoaning for my soul Mercy's queer temperance-- Saint or sadist And if my passion angers our Redeemer May silence and lament be my penance I've been toldI will suffer for your peace From the poison that harbored in yourbrain Paralytic dawns,and turbid manic dusks Your terror was A cross I could not bare Now my hands grasp filthy bars of steel Much time to muse the ethics of justice In hindsight--- I would do it all again.