The Black Maria

There in my memory
Just on the periphery
Loose-knit like gauze on the centerline
The broke-down cobblestone drive, the Black Maria

For when it comes for you
Nothing to be done for you
Write down your name on the dotted line
Shut up your mouth, son, here's the Black Maria

The Black Maria
Comes for us all
Can't you hear their boots in the hall?
Answer your name when they call
The Black Maria
The Black Maria

Where are the neighbors?
The bootblacking laborers?
The windows are dark and the shutters drawn
The only lone souls who roam are all pariahs

Turn out your lantern light
Set your affairs to right
Pull out the prayers that you mumble on
For everyone is an enemy, come the Black Maria
The Black Maria

The Black Maria
Comes for us all
Can't you hear their boots in the hall?
Answer your name when they call
The Black Maria
The Black Maria

There in my memory
Just on the periphery
Loose-knit like gauze on the centerline
The broke-down cobblestone drive, the Black Maria
The Black Maria