The Funeral - Angelo Branduardi

When nightfall enfolds you and quickens your heart

For you walk alone on the highway

If a polecat springs hissing her eyes raging amber

Then you must stand still and not fear her

For if you befriend her your sister she’ll be

And she of all beasts knows the river

Its secret unwindings and reason for flowing

And a safe road beside the dark water…

When nightfall enfolds you and quickens your heart

For you walk alone on the highway

If a grey wolf springs snarling his teeth bared in anger

Then you must stay calm and not fear him

For if you befriend him your brother he’ll be

And he of all beasts knows the old way

That climbs to the one pass that cuts through the mountain

And a warm cave where you may take shelter…

So follow the highway that leads to the lake

And you will discover a sweet spring

That bubbles and runs down the hillsides of childhood

And there lay your heart down forever…