A Stranger In Purgatory
Patrick Cannell © 1987
A stranger in purgatory wandered from the bar.
He fumbled in his pocket as he stumbled to his car.
He heard the engine grumble but couldn't see the street.
His bedroom was a car park and his pillow was a seat.
Don't misunderstand,
My life is now in my hands and underneath my feet.
Cheer up old son, you're not the only one.
What has life done to you?
I've been around and didn't like the sound of the sirens
So I blocked my ears too.
On the shelf and desperate and full of disbelief
At how the tricks of destiny could steal a poor lad's beef.
You do all you're supposed to but still you are alone
And cursing your reflection as you drive the car back home.
Don't misunderstand,
My life is now in my hands and underneath my feet.
After a while, I began to smile at the morning
As it knocked on the door.
Soon after that, I began to laugh at the hopelessness
Of what I'm hoping for.