Slow Violence

When the moment comes to light the lost and it’s eyes on you
Leaving us no legacy but residue
It’s when you preach your promises like the filth was always there
Like we were always dead

If we could tread so lightly that the bait in my breath is done
Grind down, the grief gives way
Justify just another one
The mourning ends
The maker mends
And you feed it

And with your nothing words, stand by the lie, watch your saviour bleed
He said, “My son, they’ll know you by the numbness in your knees”
If I could run the way your God conceals his gun

He’d know that for all your pride
We’re all buried by the same slow violence
I’ll take you with me
We’re all buried by the sure decay
You lied

So give us something more than the wretch
Than the pose of the penitent
And with a rapture wracked, spit back the impact in the garden
It’s your Judas kiss
The shots don’t miss, and you know it

Call for a binding
Blade to the boy
And bite down until it’s all done
Isn’t this what you want?
The man, the pyre, the only son
If I could run the way your God conceals his gun

He’d know that for all your pride
We’re all buried by the same slow violence
I’ll take you with me
We’re all buried by the sure decay
You lied

So you can save your empty prayers for deaf ears
Keep your eyes front and listen, your sons are all singing Maria

And you can bleed your promises and leech your covenant
But can’t you hear it?
They’re already singing Maria

For all your pride
For the lie that feeds the fire

For all your pride
We’re all buried by the same slow violence
I’ll take you with me
We’re all buried by the sure decay
You lied

Maria
The way your God conceals his gun
Maria