It was passed among the rest of them
While playing cards and playing friends
That some of us are crazy
(With a voice that knew who)
I tied up all my laces
I covered up my faces
And staring in the mirror
I'd dare to wonder who
Was it my father with his hunting kit
Was it my mother with her hitting stick
Or was it my auntie who was always sick
Or was it me -- that was my biggest fear.
I wouldn't look at anybody in the eyes
I was afraid they'd realize
I was a crazy in a kid's disguise
And they wouldn't let me go to summer camp next year.

How they never gave my growth a rest
At my etiquette or at my breast
Humility the hidden test -- I played along
But going through my day-to-day
I felt sure there was another way
I was wondering the price I paid to belong.
I left my father as only daughters can
I chose to see him as a monster of a man
I left my mother in her frameless cage
But never could I shake her rage

Now you with your visions
And you with your fancies
And you with your stories
I couldn't understand
My childhood adored you
And naked before you
I stand as a witness as timeless as sand.
White wing mercy carry me away
I hear them singing clear from over here.
White wing mercy I don't want to stay here
White wing mercy Don't you leave me here.

Copyright © 1978 Nemesis Publishing, All Rights Reserved