See A Friend In Tears

So men are still at war in Ireland
For certain songs & certain dates
The tender gave way to the firebrand
& Europe gave way to the States

So now that money's all but scentless
Noses & consciences are clear
The pointless flowers can be dispensed with
But see a friend in tears

So our defeats are just reminders
Of death that waits behind it all
The body wilts before the mind does
Surprised to see how soon it falls

It's true our women have deceived us
All hunted species disappear
It's true we've shot the golden eagles
But see a friend in tears

It's true our cities are exhausted
Made by & for the middle aged
Our weakness gave them more than force did
We thought that love could cure a toothache

& in the underground we're drowning
Accelerating through the years
You who think you'll find the truth by frowning
See a friend in tears

It's true our mirrors don't show heroes
We lack the courage to be Jews
Without the elegance of Negroes
With our youthful fireworks all defused

& all these men who are our brothers
Wonder why we don't want to hear
How their worst enemies are their lovers
See a friend in tears