The Strange Well

One time I saw Canada fall through a hole in the sky

I do not know if I was really sad to see her go

For in her place there was a herd of early morning cows

They moved in one direction

They knew where, when, how, why not

There is a strange well I go to

And each time

I lean, I look

I learn, I leave

I go back to town

Saying things I don't believe

My words they're just pebbles under water

They rise like flocks of birds

They are discontinued because the well has overhead and said

Are your opinions not confirmed until you tell them to someone

And is this the lonely night not real until it has been framed as one

There is a strange well I go to...

I spoke about the rosewood proud and I said this river is wise

And I said these mountains are all-seeing

Said the well--you must realize

That once again your words have pulled the universe out of place

To exist it need not have a human face

There is a strange well I go to...

And sometimes when I go there and my heart is clear

There are no visions--there are no sounds to hear

Oh strange well--does your voice rise and fall

When I am away

And do your watercolours run like they're doing today

There is a strange well I go to

And each time

I lean, I look

I learn, I leave

I go back to town

Saying things I don't believe