Bernadette - Shriekback

In the stabland of the city

We sit relatively pretty

Dyspeptic grey

The sun limps down

Still the Jezebelles are ringing

This furniture is singing

Periodic tables and the black hole chairs

Now the stars are all aligning

Resolute and shining

Weaving in the fables

And the falling tears

All your wanton burning of the youthful flame

Think again

Bernadette

And there’s too much noise from the cruel, cruel mouth

North and south

Bernadette

When beauty starts to fall apart

The savage eye and beating heart of darkness

Blessed darkness

My hinterland and winterland and wonderland

I understand you too well

Only too well

Bernadette

We overstepped the mark

Tigers after sharks

Bernadette

Bernadette

We never looked behind

Crueler to be kind

Bernadette

Bernadette