Awakened One
Perfect One
Radiant One
We are all doing what we think we ought 2 and
We are all losing ground (losing faith)
Tho’ we hold the mala
Tho’ we recite the hallowed refrains
Until their syllables, en our throats, quake
[Aside.]
Whatever it takes, mama /
Whatever it takes 4 Nag 2 enflate his hood
Awakened One
Perfect One
Radiant One
We are all doing what we think we ought 2 and
We are all losing ground (losing faith)
Tho’ the heirs of David wail
Tho’ they rejoice en the Torah
Tho’ they rejoice over the Law
And press slips of paper b’tween
Blocks of stone en the wall
[Aside.]
Whatever it takes, mama /
Whatever it takes 2 close the gates of Hell
Awakened One
Perfect One
Radiant One
We are all doing what we think we ought 2 and
We are all losing ground (losing faith)
Tho’ the Christians drink the blood of their Savior
Tho’ they pierce his heart and eat his flesh
Tho’ they pray
Tho’ they sway (to and fro)
Tho’ they sing
[Aside.]
Whatever it takes, mama /
Whatever it takes 2 lay a crown of thorns upon the head of a shepherd king
Awakened One
Perfect One
Radiant One
We are all doing what we think we ought 2 and
We are all losing ground (losing faith)
Tho’ the TRUE Followers of the Prophet make the Hajj
Tho’ the TRUE Followers of the Prophet hark the call
Tho’ they face the holy city of Mecca
Tho’ they face the east and triumphantly submit
[Aside.]
Whatever it takes, mama /
Whatever it takes 2 slay despair, slay Iblis,
Slay this terrible, terrible beast
Awakened One
Perfect One
Radiant One
We are all doing what we think we ought 2
Still, we are losing ground
Still, we are losing faith
And soon
Very soon
The Palace floor is going 2 give way
And soon
Very soon
The Palace columns are going 2 buckle
Under the weight of brass shell casings
Under the weight of pipe bombs
Under the weight of charging lorries
Under the weight of dead black boys
Under the weight of murdered cops
Under the weight of Chicago drive-bys
Under the weight of unlawful stops
Under the weight of whyte carnations
Under the weight of a broken rainbow
Under the weight of a plain pine box
Under the weight of black key requiems
Under the weight of young widows
Under the weight of tall shadows
Under the weight of orphans
Under the weight of sackcloth
Under the weight of hate
Under the weight of death
Under the weight of spiritual contraction
Awakened One
Perfect One
Radiant One
We are all doing what we think we ought 2
Except love our neighbors
Except love our foes
Except cherish our scars
Except strive mightily 2 be Noble, Generous, and Just!
Lord Buddha,
We are all doing what we think we ought 2
Except what mama told us
Except what papa showed us
Except what we must
2 stop losing ground
2 stop losing faith
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