FLATLANDS

        
in the middle of the journey, in the middle of the day
I came to the city and I stopped to ask the way
what does it matter? said the people with a sneer
you can't get there from here

you may be a gallant runner, you may hobble with the lame
there are forty crooked hedgerows and they all look just the same
travelling gets weary, you get funny in the head
stop right here instead

well, says I, I was only passing through
I'd like to stop and rest a little while, it's true
then I asked 'em for a job to do
they gave me life insurance and a straw to chew

welcome to the flatlands
all the maps agree
far as the eye can see
it's level, dead level
flatlands: life meanders by
chew the straw and watch the grass grow high

and it's stand we stand together, fall you fall alone
authority's a leash of love to bring you safely home
fools look out for trouble where foreign breezes blow
tell your children so

they've got to keep things ticking, they must never go on strike
they'll be standing there till doomsday with their finger in the dyke
there's faith and hope and patience and patience is the best
turn your face from the rest

well, says I, I'm much obliged to you
everywhere I go I'm learning something new
if I understand your point of view
you don't believe we're dying our whole life through

and if they waste nothing they can keep their little pile
and if they say nothing they will not be on file
and if they see nothing no one will see them
no one will take down their name

and if they do not panic the pain will vanish soon
and if they never sing they'll never be out of tune
and if they are faithful they will get their reward
if they are meek they will be spared

well, says I, I was only passing through
I'd better get a move on 'cause the days are few
poppies are red, cornflowers blue
the scythe is sharp, the mowing's due

welcome to the flatlands
all the maps agree
far as the eye can see
it's level, dead level
flatlands: life meanders by
chew the straw and watch the grass grow high

wonder where the flying years go
chew the straw and watch the grass grow high