BAIT UP
(Jez Lowe)

The Village clock chimed Home in Bed
The old man spat and swore
I've been out to paint the town, he said
But the town isn't there any more
Can I walk beside you
Though you're keen to be on your way
You must have someone that waits for you
At the end of this long day

chorus: Rest young man
In the shadow of the clock we stand
And I feel it creeping dark across my brow
I wish I had someone to put me bait up now

My house, he said, will be empty
The grate will be long since cold
I might be my own master
But I'm a slave to getting old
It's a long time since I woke up
To nowt but a lonely night
A long time since my bait was waiting
Wrapped up neat and tight

I've walked my share of young girls home
Across the wintry dark
And had to leave them sleeping
So as not to be late for work
I sometimes dream they lie there still
So soft and warm and young
But I guess they're old and grey like me
Or even dead and gone

My father used to warn me
I thought that he was mad
He said, times that make you happy
Just turn round and make you sad
I really shouldn't drink this much
At my age it's just not right
But I'm tired-er than two deputies
And I haven't eaten a bite


---by Jez Lowe