King's Highway

(Joe Henry)

I might just change my mind
sometimes you can never tell
where a story will unwind
or how deep is a shallow well;

Sometimes you would never guess
who's all talk and who just might
find their way or lose themselves
on the King's Highway tonight

I am just like many more
who lie in bed, still and numb,
awake enough that I can see
just how dark it has become;

Who knows no better angels now,
who's known none but an earthly light
and who is waiting for a stranger
on the King's Highway tonight.

It wasn't how I had it planned
when it finally came around,
I took a man with my own hands
but I held him close when he went down;
He hadn't time to be afraid
his look was only of surprise,
staring up where he lay
on the King's Highway tonight
I took the little that he had
only as an afterthought,
he wouldn't have to feel so bad
to think I'd killed him just because
he was passing through this town
and only 'cause he looked about right,
and he stopped when I flagged him down
on the King's Highway tonight.


JOE HENRY
SHORT MAN'S ROOM