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